Volume 2023 | December

Focus on NAEA

Newsletter Editor: Students of Archer Learning Center

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

WOOD RIVER JUNCTION, RI, December 2, 2023—Chariho Alternative Learning Academy students are now able to explore aquaponics hands-on thanks to a state-of-the-art system that was installed by the Aquaponics Source of Colorado. Aquaponics “is the raising of fish and plants in a recirculating ecosystem. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. Bacteria and plants help to clean the water for the fish” (Aquaponics Source). The aquaponics system allows for students to better understand food sustainability and appreciate how food comes to the table as well as deepens their connection with the community. Students will learn about aquaculture and hydroponics and how to maintain a fully functioning ecosystem. Students will understand the components of an aquaponics system and realize that they can build a small backyard system on their own at home for relatively low cost, and also explore the possibilities of commercial operations. 

According to Academy teacher, Joshua Blair, “We are very excited for this applied learning opportunity for our school. It is a fully immersive, ongoing, project-based learning experience for students at Chariho's Alternative Learning Academy.”  Director Brian Tetreault is confident about this new system, adding, “We are looking forward to involving as many students as possible and incorporating Aquaponics into the overall educational experience at the school”. This system is supported in part by the Academy’s Comprehensive Support and Improvement Plan funding through the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Region 2: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C.

Kewana McDonald, the CEO of The Living Mulch LLC, is deeply committed to empowering young entrepreneurs to achieve extraordinary success in their endeavors.

With a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and a Global MBA, Kewana brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the entrepreneurial landscape. Notably, she achieved the remarkable feat of building a six-figure business within just three months, all while managing part-time responsibilities. In addition to her role as CEO, Kewana also serves as an outsourced COO for businesses in need of operational expertise but lacking the resources to hire in house. She adeptly manages operations and provides staff training to enhance overall company performance. Her hands-on approach to training staff ensures that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the company's growth and success. 

Currently, Kewana is passionately dedicated to her mission of equipping students with the knowledge to launch and scale their businesses to 5 and 6 figures before they graduate high school through the Moneyseeds Coaching Program. This transformative program distills the secrets of success into actionable steps, providing young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Her teenpreneur program awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Business, a testament to the impact of the program.

Reach out to our team for more additional information on Kewana's services!

Region 3: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia

I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings as the newly elected Director of Region 3 of our esteemed association. It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that I step into this role, eager to collaborate with each of you in advancing the mission of the National Alternative Education Association. Our region has a history of fostering innovative approaches to learning, and I am

dedicated to building on this foundation. As Director, I aim to facilitate open communication and collaboration among our members, creating a dynamic community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with you through various events and initiatives designed to strengthen our bonds and enhance the impact of alternative education in Region 3. Your active participation and valuable contributions are essential to shaping the future of our association.

I am open to feedback, collaboration, and dialogue, and I look forward to talking with you about how we can work together to achieve the goals of NAEA within Region 3. If you have any questions, suggestions, or if there are specific areas you would like to explore,

please feel free to reach out to me at region3@the-naea.org. I am here to serve as your advocate and resource, committed to making a positive impact on alternative education in our region.

Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that, together, we can make a significant difference in the realm of alternative education.

Warm regards,

Myron Franklin

Region 5: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin

Illinois Regional Office of Education #3 celebrates 30 years serving at-risk youth in central Illinois with truancy intervention services and alternative school locations. Regional Superintendent Julie Wollerman oversees three alternative school locations, attendance intervention and truancy services within a five county region in rural Illinois. Since 1993, more than 8,800 students have benefited from these programs. ROE #3 is a member of the National Alternative Education Association Exemplary Practices Cohort.

Doctoral Research for Alternative Education

Christina Tillotson is doctoral candidate at University of Missouri and is a teacher at an alternative school in Kansas. She is doing her dissertation around teacher leadership in alternative education using an adaptive leadership lens. She needs teachers who teach in alternative education in Missouri and Kansas to complete a survey and do interviews for her study. The survey is the first step and Christina will reach out if she thinks an interview may be in order.

Your help is much appreciated.

Study Survey Link- https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqtzzMUdFC6HUGO



Consent to Participate Link- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qhEoiqQeU22Xr3D8XkLbOuveBR2Mizu3iNTe295GZ6c/view

Together, we did it. Thank you!

The Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth is both proud and grateful to announce a $13.7 million dollar increase to the Regional Safe Schools Grant.

Thank you to the ICEARY members and partners for your advocacy, testimony to ISBE and legislators, letters, calls, visits to Springfield, and an unrelenting commitment to youth.

This increase in funding is a step toward greater equity for our youth, and our journey continues. Please keep an eye on the ICEARY listserv for updates from the advocacy committee.

https://www.iceary.net

Region 8: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Hawaii, Pacific Islands

Enhancing Instruction Through the Integration of Frameworks: Restorative Practices, Universal Design for Learning, Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education 

Driven by the goal of sparking a love for reading among their students, a group of alternative educators from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) - Division of Alternative Education (ACCESS), in partnership with the exceptionally talented Dr. Katie Novak, have unveiled an enlightening book that explores their inclusive approach to curriculum design.

Their new book, Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts, launched on November 14th! It emphasizes the transformative impact of empowering students to discover their voices, explore their identities, and make sense of the world around them. Whether you teach an adopted curriculum or create your lessons, this work is about viewing that curriculum through the lens of inclusive practices with team members to determine barriers and increase engagement to accelerate learning for all. 

So, how did all this get started? Well, Ryan Hinkle, a teacher in the ACCESS program, and Jina Poirier, a coordinator, decided to create an English Language Arts curriculum for ACCESS. To make it top-notch, they brought in Brianne Parker and Anne Wolff – Brianne tackled instruction for English learner students, and Anne worked her magic to turn the curriculum into a website that's super easy to use. Now, what they came up with is a jack-of-all-trades resource that fits into any classroom – be it independent study or traditional classes. They call it ACCESS 2 Character Education, and it's not just any curriculum – it blends high-interest novels with big-picture ideas like Restorative Practices, Universal Design for Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, and Character Education. It's like a one-stop-shop for any ELA teacher team!

Join us in Tucson, Arizona for our 2024 Annual Conference!

October 7-9

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa