The STAR Academy
• Two programs in one: AM and PM sessions, each
designed to accommodate student needs:
•Credit recovery options
•Childcare/family obligations
•School-to-Career program
•BOCES
• Differentiated student management that reinforces
positive responses and increases instruction time
• Guidance Counselor and Teacher Facilitators offer
full day support for students
• Weekly SST/Faculty meetings offer support for
teachers and staff
The School-to-Career
Program
• The School-to-Career program is a federal initiative that gives
students opportunities to develop the skills necessary to thrive in
the work force.
• All STAR students are encouraged to participate in the Schoolto-Career program, which offers NYS approved course credit
toward graduation. Students can earn up to two credits
throughout their high school career.
• Presently 33% of the STAR students enrolled for the 2009-2010
school year have ALREADY earned at least one course credit.
Aventa Learning/Credit Recovery
www.aventalearning.com
Aventa Learning is an online credit recovery program, where students work
independently on a NYS aligned curriculum designed to assist students in
recouping credits.
 Aventa Learning’s rolling admission policy makes it an effective tool that can be
utilized 12 months per year.
 Currently 30 students are enrolled in the program. On average, students
complete a course in 3.5 months. To date, students (ranging from seniors to
sophomores) have successfully completed 25 courses.
In total, we anticipate at least 60 completed courses by the close of the current
Aventa Learning contract.
Indicators of Success for Alternative Education
Quantitative Measures

Increased graduation rates

Increased enrollment in 2 and 4 year college
or technical schools

Increase in average daily attendance

Acquisition of requirement graduation
credits

Improved social behavior
Source: Alternative Education As a Quality Choice for Youth: Preparing Educators for Effective Programs (Kochler-Bryant and Lacey)
Supporting DATA: Attendance
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Dropouts by Percentage
17%
9%
4%
Yearly Attendance Rate
69.90%
85.50%
86.45%
* 2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010
Supporting DATA: Discipline
Discipline Incident
Former Program
2007-2008
STAR Academy
2008-2009
STAR Academy
2009-2010
In-School Suspension
Incidents
163
61
39
Out of School Suspension
Incidents
87
85
60
Class Suspensions
83
54
10
* 2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010
Supporting DATA: Graduation
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Eligible for Graduation
23
16
19
Graduation Percentage
74%
81%
TBD
Total Graduates (09-10
anticipated)
17
13
19
1
4
0
11
4
8
Regents Diploma
5
5
11
Accepted to College
3
6
19
18%
46%
100%
IEP Diplomas
Local Diplomas
% of seniors accepted to
college
* 2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010
Indicators of Success for Alternative Education
Qualitative Measures

Student recognition that their actions, hard
work, improved grades, graduation, and
attitude will help them be viewed as successful

Significant increase in self-esteem

Greater focus on academics and improved
attitude toward school

Student reports of benefits from one-to-one
instruction with teachers

Students’ expressed belief that they have
benefited from the program and expressed high
levels of satisfaction
Source: Alternative Education As a Quality Choice for Youth: Preparing Educators for Effective Programs (Kochler-Bryant and Lacey)
“I came to STAR because it helps me stay on top of
my work. I no longer get in trouble and it gives me
an opportunity to catch up on my credits.”
-- Matthew Taylor
10th Grade Student
“STAR Academy helped me a lot. This year I
am going to earn credits. I want to go to
BOCES and STAR will help me get there.”
-- Richard Kinney
9th Grade Student
“The best part of STAR is that every
teacher cares about every student and
tries to do whatever they can for us.”
-- Devery Sykes
11th Grade Student
“STAR Academy has helped with my
grades and made me realize that
being immature and not doing work
will not get me anywhere in life.”
-- Yocelin Garcia
11th Grade Student
“STAR Academy has helped me
by making me realize that my
education is the most important
thing in my life. Without it, I
would be nothing.”
-- Joshua Perez
11th Grade Student
“STAR Academy has helped me be more
focused in school and get my grades higher.
I now realize that school is important.”
-- Marquisha Hines
11th Grade Student