Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Alternative School topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Silver Creek alternative high school emphasizes relationships and project-based learning
Summary
Speakers described Silver Creek as a small, relationship-based alternative high school serving grades 9–12 that uses individualized plans and project-based assessments to engage students who struggle in traditional settings.
Speakers described Silver Creek as an alternative high school for grades 9 through 12 that uses individualized plans, relationship-based instruction and project-based assessments to support students.
School staff said the program focuses on building strong relationships with students and families as a core strategy. “We are relationship based. That is probably the foundation of our school. So we get to know our students. We get to know our parents. There are no secrets,” a Silver Creek staff member said. The staff member also described the school as providing “what we would like to think of as an individualized plan for kids.”
Students who spoke said the school’s smaller size and community feel help them succeed. “I really like Silver Creek because it's a lot smaller. I'm very introverted. So having a smaller community is very good for me, and I feel like it can be more like myself,” one student said. Another student described close connections with teachers: “I have a really, really strong relationship with my math teacher, and she's become like a friend almost.”
Staff also described teaching that differs from traditional high schools, with more project-based options for demonstrating learning. “We present our material in a different way rather than a traditional high school. We try to do more project based so the kids have different, they have a variety of ways to show their learning,” a staff member said. One speaker gave an example: “If they're, doing social studies, they, you know, they can actually, do their assignment and use it in an art project. So it's it's they're learning the content, but they're doing it in their own expressive way, whether it be an art form, music, or podcast.”
Staff framed Silver Creek as an option for students who do not thrive in conventional schools and said the program sometimes provides intensive support to ensure students complete their education. “We can help all students. And so when there's a student that is different or doesn't want to be in school, we are the place for that student. And we, as I say, sometimes we drag them across the finish line because we know that kids outside of this the 4 walls of a school can be really successful,” a staff member said.
No formal motions or decisions about Silver Creek were recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.
