Crossing Educational Center

The Crossing Educational Center is a community-based alternative education program.

Mission: Assisting struggling individuals to become

transformed, fulfilled, and contributing members of society through a faith-based

education and caring relationships.

Two Necessary Components:

Community

Involvement

Public School Partnership

Crossing Educational Center (CEC)

1. Currently host 6 schools and partner with Goshen, Middlebury, Elkhart, West Noble, and DeKalb Eastern School Corporations.

2. Serviced over 600 students in 07-08 offering:• High school diploma• Credit recovery/course for credit• Adult education

3. Graduated 107 students since 2003, with 53 students graduating in 2007-08.

4. 93% of graduates have passed ISTEP prior to graduation including those with disabilities.

CEC Focuses on Four Core AreasAcademics

Character

Leadership

Careers

Core 1 - Academics(High School Diploma)

Curriculum1. Based on Indiana academic standards.2. Addresses Stephen Covey’s four human dimensions:

Mental Social Physical Spiritual

3. Approximately 70% of the curriculum is on the computer utilizing PLATO software. Additional materials include textbooks, novels, the internet, and other resources.

4. Curriculum is supplemented with additional courses. (7 Habits, Personal Finance, Sexual Purity, Leadership Academy and other programs developed by the community).

Core 2 – Character(Daily Family Time focusing on life issues)

Core 3 – Leadership(Building upon natural ability to lead)

Core 4 - Careers

CEC Structure

1. There is a strong relationship between CEC and the high school guidance and administration.

2. Maximum of 25 students attend a 3 hour session daily with an average of 1:6 teacher/student ratio.

3. Students are encouraged to participate in work-study, vocational, or dual college credit programs.

4. Students are held accountable for learning through ISTEP testing and meeting credit requirements established by the state.

5. Parents receive regular feedback through phone calls, progress reports, and quarterly parent conferences.

High Expectations

1. 80% mastery (A’s & B’s only) on all content.

2. Complete all courses required by the Indiana Department of Education.

3. Participate in Service Learning projects in the community.

4. Engage in a post-secondary educational plan and consider returning to CEC for employment after developing a professional skill.

Success at CEC due to:

1. Low teacher/student ratio allows for immediate academic assistance and building relationships.

2. PLATO assessment program allows students to begin learning at their ability level and at their own pace.

3. Students are motivated through personal relationship with staff, not through directives.

- Multiple social opportunities on weekends.

4. Facilitate Encouragement, Success, Hope and Purpose.

5. Community involvement.

Effectiveness Determined by Collecting Multiple Sources of Data• Improvement in ISTEP scores• Students passing ISTEP prior to graduation • Credits earned• Attendance rate• Graduation rate• Dropout rate• Participating in vocational programs• Enrolled in post-secondary programs• Student and parent surveys• School corporation feedback

Additional Community Programming

If funding is available:1. Evening education

– HS Diploma, GED, Credit Recovery.

2. Unique vocational opportunities.

3. Six educational components offered in Community Corrections facility.• H.S. Diploma, GED, Thinking for a Change,

7 Habits, Personal Finance, Dual college credit.

4. After-care programs for ex-inmates.

Next Steps:

School Corporation:• Agrees to partner with

CEC.• Identifies students who

are unsuccessful in the traditional school setting including those failing, former dropouts, returning from DOC, etc.

• Works with CEC in enrolling students in your public school = revenue.

• Pays monthly tuition invoice for minimum of 25 students.

Community:• Forms board of directors

with assistance from CEC community development team.

• Agrees to “Reservation of Powers”.

• Locates a facility to host CEC.

• Files for a 501-c3 with CEC legal assistance.

• Raises funds for operational costs including rent, utilities, repairs, etc.

Please join us in:

– Strategically assisting students who have multiple life challenges and viewing them as an asset instead of a liability in your community.

– Tapping into the gifts of students who have tremendous intelligence, leadership abilities, and learn outside the box.

– Assisting students in finding a new identity by joining the Crossing family and pursuing a high school diploma in a unique learning environment with the result of becoming future leaders in your community.

Rob Staley, Executive Directorrstaley@crossingcec.com

574-533-3429www.crossingeducation.com