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RISE program presentation: alternative‑education team highlights student wins, enrollment and supports
Summary
RISE program lead Tyler Barna told the Ralston board that RISE served 68 students at some point this year and had 34 on its roster at the time of the March 24 presentation, and presented graduation and credit‑recovery outcomes.
Tyler Barna, who runs the RISE program, told the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 that the alternative‑education program focuses on credit recovery, attendance supports and individualized plans to help students finish high school.
Barna said RISE had 68 different students enrolled at some point this school year and a roster of 34 at the time of his presentation. He described the program as “relationship based” and said staff work with families to create extended graduation plans and to transition students back into the high school when appropriate.
Barna said the program uses Edgenuity for curriculum delivery and that the model is mastery‑based: students who engage with the platform and complete work can regain credits and return to their home school. He described outcomes from this year: three students have graduated after working through the program (including a long‑term student who has now taken a UPS job), several more are on track to graduate and a number of students have returned to the comprehensive high school after credit recovery at RISE.
Direct quote from the presentation: “Our mission statement here is to engage every student in targeted program that fosters hope, creates positive outlook, and build pathways to college and career opportunities.” — Tyler Barna, RISE program lead.
Staffing and supports Barna said special‑education support is available through a district special‑education teacher assigned to RISE, and credited Kyle Kikta (special education teacher) for increased in‑program services compared with previous years. Barna said behavior referrals for RISE students have fallen and attributed that to a supportive, small‑group setting and strong staff‑student relationships.
Enrollment and outcomes - Students served this school year (cumulative): 68 - Roster at time of presentation: 34 (with two additional enrollments noted as imminent) - Graduated students this school year: 3 (including several long‑term students who completed extended plans) - Students on track to graduate: 6 (reported)
Barna said the program also provides transition services for students who need an alternative to the comprehensive high school because of attendance issues, anxiety or disciplinary placement; RISE staff work to return students to their home school when possible and to provide longer‑term supports when needed.
Ending Board members praised the graduation stories and asked staff to provide a timeline for moving the RISE program into the newly leased site at 8527 Park Drive. Operations staff said final lease paperwork and move logistics will be reported back to the board before July occupancy.
