Population Served

Choices Community School serves youth ages 11-18.

• 84% of students enrolled in the full-time program are between 13-15 years of age
• 37% of students enrolled in Choices are of minority status
• 82% of the families served by Choices fall within federal poverty guidelines
• 58% of the Choices' students live in a single parent household
• 54% of the students are currently involved with the Mesa County Department of Human Services, Department of Youth Corrections, Probation, Diversion, Advocacy, or Special Education programs.

Program Goals & Objectives

Choices goal is to get at-risk youth back into education through an alternative and individualized program. Specific objectives for the 2001-2002 school year include:

• Provide high school education to 50 Students
• Bring reading level up two grades within one year
• Improve writing skills - progress measured by six-trait writing assessment
• Maintain an 80% attendance rate

On average, youth remain in Choices for 2-3 years before returning to traditional schools, alternative placement, or full-time work. Youth can graduate from Choices - receiving a high school diploma through Mesa County Valley School District #51. Choices is an on-going program of Hilltop with services and classes provided year-round.

Youth from Hilltop's residential programs attend Choices on a regular basis. The same alternative, individual education is provided to students from Miranda Place, Girls/Boys Shelter, Runaway & Homeless Youth Program, Homeward Bound, and Hilltop Youth Corrections. These youth benefit from the structured, small classes. The interaction between students assists in the transition when the youth are released from the residential program.

Evaluation

Program objectives are continually monitored and evaluated by program staff through statistical data and feedback from partner agencies as well as a school improvement plan. A strong emphasis is placed on parental involvement, personal responsibility, and relationships with teachers and peers. Case managers promote internships, employment opportunities, volunteer and work experience options, and academic achievement.

The students are evaluated by using the Mesa County Valley School District #51's North West Evaluation Association, and CSAP as an assessment tool. Another evaluation tool, is the six-trait writing assessment. Choices also has a pre- and post-test as a method to compare with other school districts and individualized math and reading programs designed to meet the needs of the student population.