Oasis alternative program reports gains on state indicators; board approves updated student handbook

Oasis alternative education staff updated the Mount Pleasant Board of Education on efforts to improve student outcomes and secured board approval for an updated student handbook at the Aug. 19 meeting.

Stephanie Binder, who leads the Oasis program, told the board the school had previously been placed on the state's Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) list but has shown measurable improvement in recent reporting. She reported the program's school index increased from 12.27 to 32.45 and said the four-year graduation rate improved by just over 2 percentage points during the reviewed period. "We're definitely making gains there," she said.

Binder also highlighted a notable increase in state assessment participation, from roughly 39% in 2021–22 to about 53.9% in 2022–23, which improved the reliability of growth and proficiency metrics. Staff described steps to strengthen MTSS, implement an early warning system with MDE coaching and conduct frequent progress conferencing with students.

Jeff Clatty described programmatic changes intended to boost engagement: a morning goal-setting routine, targeted math and ELA instruction, a 30-minute elective period for socialization and skill-building (examples included yearbook and disc golf), and an end-of-day 'launch' focused on social-emotional learning. The presenters said the changes are designed to improve attendance, engagement and graduation outcomes.

The board later considered and approved the Oasis student handbook for the 2024–25 school year, noting it had been revised to align with middle and high school handbooks where appropriate and that staff will continue reviewing policies to ensure consistency with district procedures.