Mt. Carmel Grade School is adding another layer of support this year aimed at helping students who may be at risk of falling behind or eventually leaving school.
Principal Brianna Foster introduced the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, or ALOP, during the recent Wabash District 348 School Board meeting.
Foster said the program has been used successfully in other parts of Illinois, and Regional Office of Education Number 20 is funding two student success coaches this year. District 348 was among the first districts asked to participate.
April Taylor, an ROE employee, has been assigned full-time to Mt. Carmel Grade School and will work with students beginning as early as third grade.
Students can be referred for additional support based on four primary areas: academics, social-emotional needs, behavior and attendance. Taylor can work with approximately 30 students at a time, providing consistent, one-on-one coaching, setting goals and monitoring their progress.
Foster said teachers, administrators and the school counselor will work together to identify students who could benefit from the program, with Taylor also communicating regularly with teachers and parents.
Foster said the ultimate goal is straightforward — provide targeted intervention early to help students succeed and remain in school.
The program is still in its beginning stages, with the district currently identifying students and integrating Taylor into the grade school.
Foster said she is excited about the opportunity, calling ALOP another layer of support that offers students more individualized attention.