| Since
1979 Second Start offers an Alternative High School
Program for adolescents who have previously been unable
to succeed in a traditional high school setting. The
Alternative Program is based on the belief that some
students need a small, structured, and highly individualized
school setting in which to make academic and personal
progress.
The
Alternative Program at Second Start enrolls approximately
50 adolescent students from the Capitol City area. Many
of these students have been identified as having learning
and/or emotional handicaps that have interfered with their
functioning effectively in a previous educational setting.
The Alternative Program is approved by the New Hampshire
Department of Special Education to serve both Learning
Disabled and Emotionally Handicapped students.
The
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE of the Alternative Program is to develop
a student's skills in the basic academic areas of reading,
writing and mathematics. This core curriculum is supplemented
by instruction in content areas such as science and social
studies. A student's program is highly individualized
and is combined with participation in small group activities
and discussions. Physical education and outdoor recreational
activities are a regular part of the Alternative Program.
It
is a fundamental belief at Second Start that a student's
success in the academic areas has a very positive and
observable impact on self-concept. The resulting improvement
in self image and self confidence enables the student
to establish and maintain better relationships, to improve
functioning within a group and to develop more appropriate
and satisfying social behavior.
Second
Start does not offer its own high school diploma. Credit
for work completed in the Alternative Program is arranged
with the referring school. Arrangements for specific
credit needs are made during the development of the
student's individual educational plan. The
Alternative Program is made up of four teams consisting
of ten to twelve students, led by two certified education
teachers. Two teams meet during the morning session (8:00
to 11:00); two meet during the afternoon session (12:00
to 3:00). |
