L.E.A.P.

Lakeshore Educational Alternative Program (L.E.A.P.)

The Lakeshore Educational Alternative Program (L.E.A.P.) began with the 2020-21 school year. Open to students in Grades 10-11-12, it is housed at the Casco Career Academy within the district’s former middle-school building.

The Mission of L.E.A.P. is, through a non-traditional and personalized learning approach, for students to find their purpose and develop the knowledge, skills and habits to be successful. An atmosphere is fostered in which individuals accept responsibility and seek self-management of their own learning, while being respectful of the learning needs of others.

Its Vision is to empower ALL students to be their best self and LEAP into their future.

L.E.A.P. is designed for students for whom the Kewaunee and Luxemburg-Casco High School structure and environment is not effective or appropriate, are motivated to graduate, and are perceived as benefiting from the Lakeshore Educational Alternative Program. This includes, but is not limited to:

• High school students who are at risk of not graduating because they are credit deficient or failing to thrive in regular classroom settings

• Students whose lack of attendance has affected their grades or school connection (generally 10-or-more absences, or four-or-more unexcused absences), or who have transferred school frequently

• Students whose mental-health issues, including depression and anxiety, are interfering with being successful at school

• Students with other extenuating circumstances, including homelessness, pregnant or teen parents, chemical dependency, or those who have experienced significant life trauma

• Expelled students, on a case-by-case basis, may have their educational needs met through this program

The L.E.A.P. teaching approach is different from traditional methods. It focuses on building the teacher-student relationship, as well as listening to students, hearing their stories and learning about them as human beings. Students benefit from one consistent teacher, a single set of rules and the classroom’s small-group dynamics. Personal connections with other L.E.A.P. students are encouraged.

A primary goal is for L.E.A.P. students to find initial academic success, thereby building a belief in themselves. Curriculum is determined by each student’s individual skills and is very self-directed. An overarching goal is for students to feel valued and important.

A low student-to-teacher ratio supports the L.E.A.P. mission and allows for a high degree of flexibility of structure to reduce barriers to student success. This flexibility may include daily attendance, a shortened school day/week, virtual instruction, work-based learning or a blending of these educational needs. Students who meet their academic goals often have the opportunity to help set their own time of attendance.

Academic instruction includes compacted curriculum, self-paced, online and project-based learning. The L.E.A.P. instructor provides support and tutoring, but not direct instruction. Based on an individualized learning plan, students may study for the appropriate GED subject tests using online and print resources.

L.E.A.P. students have their own computers and study space that is designed to minimize distractions from other students, yet allow for adult supervision. Students choose where they are most comfortable.

Other student benefits include career-readiness opportunities through the district’s Youth Apprenticeship program, along with as-needed counseling services. Roughly half of L.E.A.P. students receive credits through a youth apprenticeship.

Entrance to L.E.A.P. is voluntary, but requires the student and parent(s) to go through an application process. Upon acceptance into the program, an individualized learning plan will be created at a conference with the student, parent(s), counselor and L.E.A.P faculty.

Behavior expectations are established by each respective school district’s student code of conduct, and apply to L.E.A.P. participants. Additional points of emphasis for L.E.A.P. students can be found in the Handbook of Policies and Procedures HERE.

To graduate, students must meet the requirements of their home district, including community service and the creation of an academic/career planning portfolio. Additional credit may be earned for career-related work and other specified learning activities.

Students who complete the L.E.A.P. coursework and pass the GED test walk in their respective district’s traditional graduation ceremony.

L.E.A.P. STAFF