The Leaf River Education District is located in Wadena.  We serve the
school districts of Henning #545, Menahga #821, Sebeka #820, Verndale #818
and Wadena-Deer Creek #2155.
Our address is:
624 Jefferson Street North, PO Box 644
Wadena, MN   56482

Program Mission

 We believe that all students can, with self-involvement, dignity and
support, become life- long learners and productive, positive and peaceful
members of their families, homes and community. The ALC meets the needs of
these youths by providing an individualized curriculum in a nontraditional
setting emphasizing a student's self-esteem and learning styles.

Targeted Services

 Targeted services were started in June, 1997, at the Wadena-Deer Creek
School through our ALC.  Students in grades K-6 were provided services
through two summer sessions.  Programming was provided Monday through
Friday.  Students were involved in activities for reading, math, language
and computers.  Teachers provided opportunities for students to work in
cooperative groups for social skills and interaction.  Field trips were
incorporated for students to apply the skills they were learning in Targeted
Services.
 Community members, parents and volunteers are encouraged to observe and
participate in the Targeted Services activities.
 During the summer over 60 students were involved in the Targeted Services
at Wadena- Deer Creek.  Our other member districts are beginning to initiate
programs in their own elementary buildings.  Wadena-Deer Creek and Verndale
currently have after school programs running after school from 3:00 to 5:00
on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Middle Level Programs

 The STAR Program is our alternative education program for 12-15 year old
students.  The program allows the students to participate in a
nontraditional setting to develop social skills, study skills and mature.
Many students utilize the programs small group setting and individualized
instruction to complete classes they haven't finished or received credit in.
 STAR is available for students to enter or exit as appropriate throughout
the school year.  The program has two teachers working with a maximum of 15
students.  Teachers come in for two hour blocks each day to teach core
classes such as Math, Health/PE, Science, English and Personal and Family
Life Science.  Social Studies is taught daily for shorter class periods.
 Parents/guardians are invited to take an active part in their child's
education.  They are a part of the team at our intake meeting providing
valuable information for the student's Individual Learning Plan.  Students
are placed in the STAR Program for a 30 day trial period to determine
appropriate placement.
 STAR staff meet consistently with appropriate outside agencies to provide
additional support to students.  Youth volunteering and community services
are available through the program.  Special education services are available
to students based on their needs providing the STAR Program is the least
restrictive environment for each student.

Independent Study Option Program

 An Independent Study Program is available to our students age 16 - adult.
This program enables students to receive direct instruction outside the
traditional school setting while completing their work independently.  The
student's progress and educational goals depend on their independent study
abilities.  Students may participate in the mainstream setting full-time in
addition to attending their resident school district (dual attendance).
Credit is earned based on quality work completion.  Direct instruction is
provided based on individual student needs.
 The Independent Study Program offers direct instruction from teachers on
Mondays    9:00 am - 2:30 pm and Tuesdays 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  throughout the
school year.  Summer services are provided one or two days per week for six
weeks depending on student enrollment.  The program serves 30 - 50 active
students.
 The director and staff of the area learning center work continuously with
collaborative agencies to make the support networks run more effectively.
Referrals are made to any programs or personnel who may be able to assist
each student with their specific needs.
 When a student begins our program we have them complete an application with
personal and educational background listed.  Information is collected
through student/parent input, transcripts, previous informal and diagnostic
testing, individual education plans, resident district data and other
pertinent data.  Emphasis is given to a student's interests and needs when
developing a learning plan which most directly meets their needs.  Classes
are chosen based on graduation requirements, student interests, background
future plans and student's level of performance and needs.
 Parents and/or guardians are strongly encouraged to become actively
involved in the area learning center.  Quarterly reports on attendance and
academics are sent to parents and school districts from which students are
earning their diploma through.
 Tech Prep classes are available through the member schools.  Tech Prep
classes are available in the areas of Applied Communications, Applied
Economics, Applied Mathematics and articulated programs in Business.
Vocational options available through the area learning center include
courses in Marketing, Business and Family/Consumer Science.  These are
delivered through the independent study option and are taught by licensed
vocational staff.
 Students have the option to take additional vocational classes through one
of the member school districts.  Post-secondary educational facilities
provide more possibilities for the students.  Northwest Technical College -
Wadena is located within two miles of the area learning center.
 Our program has a licensed staff member who works with Marketing and
Business in our setting and the Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools.  We offer
work experience options through the Marketing and Business Department.
 Special education services are provided at the area learning center.
Students are monitored to see if the independent study option is the least
restrictive educational site available.
 Tutoring and seat time opportunities are available with the director
throughout the week but require scheduled appointments.
 
 
 

STAR PROGRAM STAFF