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Area Learning Center students and staff describe expanded hands-on programs, new site plans
Summary
At the May 18 school board meeting ALC Director Jake Hager and students described hands-on curriculum expansions (3D printing, digital media, judge-and-jury unit), social supports, and plans for a new site with a greenhouse and community partnerships to broaden student opportunities.
Fairbault's Area Learning Center (ALC) presented to the board on May 18 about program changes intended to increase students' academic and social opportunities.
ALC Director Jake Hager told the board staff view the gap affecting many ALC students as an opportunity gap rather than an achievement gap: when given targeted experiences "they achieve at the same rates" as other students. Hager outlined recent and planned offerings including symposium-style J-term courses, an introductory 3D-printing class produced in partnership with FEEP, a digital media/video production class, a judge-and-jury unit that explored criminal-investigation themes, an intro-to-nursing science unit and prospective on-site projects for a new facility (a greenhouse, hands-on math tied to construction/trades, and fruit trees to benefit the community).[1]
Students who spoke described concrete impacts: improved attendance, better grades, closer relationships with staff, and opportunities to earn credits and dual enrollment. One student said the ALC helped them "find my inner circle" and stay on track to graduate; another credited teachers with flexibility and individualized intervention that led to straight A's and on-time graduation.
Board members and staff praised the program's student-centered work and noted upcoming opportunities tied to a new building with a gym, kitchen and science spaces. The board encouraged continued community partnerships and volunteer involvement. Director of Teaching & Learning Julie Hall and others thanked the presenters and asked for follow-up on how the new site will expand academic programming.
Why it matters: The ALC serves students who need alternative learning environments and the board highlighted the center's role in increasing pathways to graduation and career-connected learning. Student testimony and staff plans point to a combination of academic credit recovery, hands-on technical learning and social supports that the district hopes will improve outcomes.
What happens next: Staff will continue planning for the new site, pursue partnerships (including a greenhouse and volunteer collaborations) and report back to the board on implementation and outcomes.
