MODESTO -- Beyer High's AdvancePath Academy has an impressive record of getting seniors who fell behind caught up. Now the classroom-based, online program has another tassel hanging on its cap.
The Modesto school will shine in the worldwide spotlight soon thanks to a promotional video by parent company AdvancePath Academics Inc. Filming took place in December for the video that's expected to appear this spring on the company's Web site.
California Director of Operations Nicholas Stine, who described the Beyer site as a "Cadillac academy," said it was chosen to star in the video because of the strong support from the Modesto City Schools and a progressive program that includes community service.
"(It's) not only done wonders for the community, but changed the lives of the student volunteers," Stine said.
Modesto City Schools partners with AdvancePath to provide about 200 lagging students per year with a way to catch up and graduate on time.
Twenty high school seniors switched to the tutor-aided online classes last week. About 30 have fulfilled their graduation requirements. Graduatesget a cow-bell cheer around the room when that last test is passed, a Beyer academy tradition. Later this month they'll have a more formal ceremony with "Pomp and Circumstance," parents and speeches, and take home a Beyer diploma.
They'll be dressed in the same red gown and cap a mannequin sports on their classroom door. Graduation is top priority at the academy. The program, open to all Modesto high schoolers, has a 95 percent graduation rate and a full waiting list.
Senior Lucio Gomez said online work goes faster. "If I don't pay attention, I don't pass. So I have to pay attention," Gomez said.
"For me, it's easy. You just read and take the test. It's more learning at my pace," said Tyler Anderson as he worked on a British and world literature assignment.
In the next cubicle, Benny Chavez was reading up on a factory workers' revolt in a history class. "In regular classes, you sit and wait for everyone to catch up. Here I work on my own," Chavez said.
He started the program basically two years behind because of what he freely admits were "some stupid decisions."
He's working double-time now, finishing about a class a week, Chavez said. Only seven classes now stand between him and what he hopes will be a starting spot on the Modesto Junior College football team and a future in counseling.
Getting students back on track
Lead teacher Terri Mitchell said she sees many like Chavez, good kids getting themselves back on track. "Once they get in here, something just changes," Mitchell said.
Other students have more poignant struggles. Mitchell works with teens who are homeless, have medical problems, have to work or are raising a family.
"Some kids, you think, 'What were you doing your whole sophomore year?' But then you find out maybe they lost their house in a fire and were completely displaced. If you can think of the story, it's happened," Mitchell said.
Secretary Shirley Moreland added, "We're like a family here. The kids feel that and see that."
The bottom line for every student is the number of credits left out of the minimum 230 needed to graduate. "For some kids it's very empowering to see they're in charge of their education," Mitchell said.
Giving students a chance
Teacher Tom Woodward said the academy "makes them accountable and gives them a chance."
The academy takes up an open double-classroom at Beyer High lined with computer cubicles. Half-moon desks manned by teachers and more student cubicles fill the interior. Daily attendance is mandatory. Three teachers lend help if asked and are called in electronically when a student gets stuck.
"They say it's easier, but that's because it's no longer six classes (at a time). The work itself is very rigorous, but it's a much more manageable thing," Mitchell said.
Three sessions of 60 students, most from Beyer or Enochs highs, rotate through in four-hour blocks ending at 8:15 p.m.
Mitchell would like to take more. She hopes the district will one day open an academy across town, "because I know how much it changes kids' lives. I know there are kids out there that have dropped out — or checked out," she said.
Watching students interviewed for the promotional film, Mitchell said one student's story brought her to tears. "She said, 'They never give up on you.'
"That's one of the things we really want to get across — we believe in you," Mitchell said. "You can do this. Meet me right here, and we can be there for you."
On the Net:AdvancePath Academics Inc., www.advancepath.com.
Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339.
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