The Lincoln Center’s Choices Program Gives Challenged Students Alternatives

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Boy in gray hoodie sitting by the table
Image via The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

Some teenagers with emotional and behavioral challenges have trouble keeping up in a regular school classroom.

The larger classroom in a traditional school setting may be overwhelming, keeping the student from doing their best work, or worse, avoiding school all together, falling behind on basic skills.

They can succeed and excel academically, with some additional support that includes creative approaches to learning.

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) partnered with Norristown Area School District to create the Choices Program in 2019-20 to give that extra support to 7th through 12th graders.

“We believe it is critical to teach our students to develop a mindset that success is possible and that they don’t have to try and reach for it without support,” says April Thomas, TLC’s Chief Schools Officer.

TLC’s team of educators reengage students that are challenged by creating a therapeutic, trauma-informed learning environment.

TLC teachers also provide personalized support to students who receive live online instruction daily.

The Choices Program curriculum follows a TLC philosophy of Transformational Education®.

This student-centered approach uses interactive learning strategies and relationship-building to help students develop the life skills they need to reach their full potential.

Students participating in the Choices Program have the freedom to choose activities and pace themselves in the learning process.

Students have access to individual and group counseling sessions, which help them develop coping strategies and positive decision-making skills.

Some students can follow an accelerated track that lets them recover lost credits with an aim toward graduating on time.

Physical education classes and electives are also part of the curriculum.

Leadership and character development is encouraged through weekly group circles, as well as community service opportunities and job search activities.

A collaborative team is created between students, families, the school district and service professionals.

This provides a safety net for the students, offering each student the best chance possible to achieve personal and academic success.

 “It is an honor for TLC to be able to serve the students of Norristown and provide a supportive program for students who need personalized instruction in a smaller school setting,” said Thomas. “Our team works hard to reengage students and, when necessary, help them learn to dispel myths and stereotypes that they may even think about themselves.”

To find out more about The Lincoln Center, visit here.

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