J&L Summerville Structured Day Program

Project EXCEL
A Community-Based Alternative to Suspension

Project EXCEL is a structured day program for Wilson County students who have received 5 to 10 days of suspension. The goals of the program are to increase academic performance and reduce negative behaviors, thus leading to a reduction in suspensions and drop-out rates. A well-trained staff develops individual education and behavior plans, based on the needs of each student. Students will complete classroom assignments from their base school and participate in anger management and conflict resolution classes. In addition, students will enhance their learning using technology tools, the Internet, and web-based lesson plans.

Curriculum

Academic Instruction is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Resources used to support the goals and objectives include Curriculum Pathways (a web-based curriculum lesson plan site provided by SAS, Inc.); the Buckle Down program to address writing, math, reading, algebra, and biology; the Sharpen Up program to address math, reading, and writing; the Competitive Edge program to address math and reading; Wilson County textbooks, and the Classroom Performance System (an interactive response pad for interim assessment and classroom activities. The academy also has an on-site lending library that supports the Accelerated Reader program.Other curriculum and character education areas addressed are Behavior Management, Anger Management, Career Exploration, Computer Literacy Skills, and Test Preparation.

Academic and Conduct Requirements

Students are required to follow the Wilson County Schools policies regarding attendance and absences during the school day. To receive academic credit, students must be present at the academy during the suspension period and complete all assignments. Smaller class sizes (with a ratio of 1 teacher to 10 students) will allow the teacher more opportunities to address the individual needs of each student.

Students are required to follow the Wilson County Schools policies regarding rules of conduct and discipline. Program staff will discuss these policies with the students and parent (guardian) at intake. Students will be dismissed from the program if they fail to follow the established rules and policies. A major focus of the program is to reduce negative behaviors. Certified counselors will work one-to-one with each student to identify underlying causes for any negative behaviors. In addition, students will participate in behavioral management classes to learn new ways to deal with anger and conflicts.