Lauderdale County Optional School
192 Viar Avenue
Ripley, TN 38063
Phone: 731 -635-4856 

SEGA (Secondary Education Graduation Academy)

Rationale:

• By 2015 the system must achive a 90% graduation rate (78% currently). RHS has not met the AYP target graduation rate in three years.  Unless trends change, HHS could be targeted within the next two years.
• A large number of incoming RHS freshmen will be 16 by the end of 2009; this is approximately 9% of the Class of 2013.  These students would be 20 years of age if they graduated with their cohort group; therefore, they are almost certain to drop out of high school.
• Currently, HHS and RHS have 20-30 students that will not graduate on time unless they are enrolled in a fast-track intervention program.

Program Goals:

• Students will be provided the opportunity to achieve success and receive a high school diploma in an optional school setting.
• THe graduation rate will increase for both high schools and the system will exceed the minimum target graduation rates for AYP.
• Increased parental involvement will be integrated into SEGA to help children succeed.
• 95% of all SEGA students will graduate on time.

Student Benefits:

• Accelerated route to graduate with student's cohort group (graduating on time).
• Personalized Education Plan (PEP) to fit unique circumstances of the student.
• Flexible graduation time based upon completion of state requirements by the students.

Program Requirements:

• The student must have little or no chance to graduate with his/her cohort class unless he/she participates in an optional, accelerated program.
• The student must be recommended to participate in SEGA by the high school adminstration.
• Prior to entering the program, the student and parent must attend a collaborative meeting with LCS personnel to create a Personalized Education Plan (PEP).
• The student must satisfy the minimum state requirements for his/her cohort class, including passing all mandated courses and Gateway exams.
• The student must regulary attend SEGA at the designated setting separate from his/her high school.

Proposed Implementation Plan:

• SEGA will be housed in the vacant section of the alternative school building and will operate as a separate entity.
• SEGA should accommodate a maximum of 24 students at one time from both HHS and RHS.
• Under the supervision of the SEGA teacher, students will utilize a variety of methods, including but not limited to - e4TN, A+ Credit Recovery, direct teacher instruction, and tutoring.
• Once a student completes all requirements, she/he may opt to graduate in December or wait until may and participate in the regular graduation ceremony.

Class of 2013 and Beyond

Request for Board Approval:

In order for a student to graduate from the Lauderdale County School System through the Secondary Education Graduation Academy (SEGA), he/she must- (1) earn the minimum number of credits for courses required by the State Board of Education, and (2) pass all required state assessments.

SEGA Referral Steps:

1. The SEGA referral process begins with the Graduation Coach and School Counselor.  Each will review the student's academic history, discipline, and attendance.  Basic criteria for SEGA placement -
a. Students are likely to be 19 years of age or older if they graduate with their cohort.
b. Students are highly unlikely to graduate with 26 credits.
c. Students must be able to complete state graduation requirements in no more than 3           semesters, preferrably two semesters.
d. Students must be recommended for SEGA by the assigned graduation coach and school counselor. 

2. During the referral review, students are to remain in their home school until notification of SEGA acceptance.

3. The Graduation Coach and School Counselor will complete a SEGA graduation Checklist and attach copies of the student's transcript and current course schedule.  This information is to be delivered to the Optional School Principal.

4. The Optional School Principal will review the information collected and schedule a meeting with the student, parent, and graduation coach.  During the meeting a Personalized Education Plan (PEP) will be developed outlining course requirements and a timeline for completion; if an IEP is involved, the student's case manager will be contacted and the meeting will also serve as an official IEP meeting.

5. ONce all parties agree on SEGA placement, the Optional School Principal will immediately inform principals, school counselors, and graduation coaches via email.

6. The Optional School Principal will provide a course schedule to the appropriate school counselor in order to make immediate changes in STAR.

7. A student accepted into SEGA will begin classes at the Optional School on the nest school day.  The student will be expected to follow the dress code of his/her respective school.