The Rich Township High School District 227 B.E.L.I.E.V.E. program is an alternative campus based
program to meet the needs of IEP students that are struggling within
the traditional classroom. B.E.L.I.E.V.E. strives to put supports in
place for students so that they will return to their main classes with
the academic skill set and social emotional stamina to engage in
sustained academic success. The environment is one in which students are
encouraged and taught to maximize their academic and behavioral
potential.
Communication and collaborative problem solving between home and school are the foundation and some of the main strengths of the program. The program is designed to provide parents, staff, and students with clear markers of changes in behaviors. The program is based on a point and level system. Students earn points during 6 periods of the school day, lunch, and transitions before and after school. The system provides an opportunity for students to earn “successful” days with higher expectations as they begin to develop more positive, appropriate behaviors, skill sets, and social-emotional functioning abilities.
The
program actively engages students in identifying areas in which they
need to improve and make recommendations to correct those behaviors.
This process also includes requirements for community service, acts of
kindness, and academic achievement. This model gives students the
experience of advocating for themselves, discussing their goals with
other adults, and celebrating their successes on their current level.
The district maintains membership in the SPEED Cooperative which assists the school district in fulfilling its obligation to the district’s special needs population. If necessary, students may also be placed in nonpublic special education programs or special education facilities.