So far, so good

Columbia Falls schools begin a new era this fall as District 6 starts up a new alternative high school

The Learning Center, in the tan portable building on the north side of the Glacier Gateway Elementary campus on Fourth Avenue West, welcomed students to their first day of class Wednesday.

"Honestly, we thought we'd see 10 or 12 students," said Terri Burghardt, Columbia Falls High School and Learning Center principal. "But there were 24. So we filled one class and are starting on the next."

Learning Center students will follow a computer-driven curriculum in the classroom, with added rigor from paper-and-pencil work and assigned projects to be completed on their own time.

It is a Montana-accredited high school that will award Learning Center diplomas when students complete the 20 required credits. Its curriculum harmonizes with, but is different from, studies at Columbia Falls High School, which requires 22 credits for graduation.

Some students will have the option to move back to and graduate from the traditional high school.

Certified teacher Beverly Kahn and paraeducator Jeanette Kosnoff eventually will lead three 20-student sessions - 2 1/2 hours each, in early morning, mid-morning and early afternoon.

Some students will be dual-enrolled, to take Columbia Falls High classes not available at the Learning Center such as music, art or shop.

"Or they might have a great connection with a teacher there. Whatever it takes to bring success to a kid," Burghardt said.

"We want to absolutely paint their day with success, as they can define it," within school guidelines.

The alternative school is designed to help students who find they are best able to succeed in the Learning Center's more flexible environment. Some need to hold down a job during the daytime, some transfer into the district deficient in credits, some have too many absences, and some are not suited to a traditional school setting.

"They come from a unique set of circumstances that led them here," Burghardt said. "I wouldn't even say they're all at risk. But they choose to go here."

Students are admitted with administrative permission and, as with Columbia Falls High, uphold clear progress and behavior guidelines or they are out of the program.

"The need has always been there and has never been ignored," Burghardt said.

In the early 1990s, District 6 initiated Eagle School in Coram as its first alternative high school. It operated on a traditional classroom setting, but followed a unique style of instruction. Budget constraints forced its closure a few years ago and its students were absorbed into Columbia Falls High School.

Eventually, those who were not succeeding in the traditional setting were offered Credit Recovery options, also a computer-driven curriculum.

The large number of students served through that, coupled with increasing numbers of dropouts by students headed for schools that offer true alternative settings prompted Burghardt and her team to do some research.

They proposed the Learning Center.

This year, the school was made possible through resolve from Superintendent Michael Nicosia and the school board. They acted on the request from Burghardt and assistant principals Scott Gaiser and John Cooper, and Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Dave Wick.

Special funding for at-risk programs from the Legislature helped fuel the start-up.

The program is focused on rigor, accountability, suitability to unique needs and individual success for each student.

"We don't want them to find an easy way through this," Burghardt said. "We want them to find the right way through it."

To inquire about the Learning Center, call Burghardt at Columbia Falls High at 892-6500, ext. 224, or Kahn at the center at 892-6517.