RUNESTONE REGIONAL LEARNING CENTER
817 FILLMORE
ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308
COORDINATOR: KATY MOHABIR
320-762-0627
FAX:320-762-8520
email:  kmohabir@alexandria.k12.mn.us

ACADEMIC PROVISIONS
FOR LEARNERS AGED 16 AND OVER:
The Runestone Regional Learning Center is an Area Learning Center
which allows students aged 16 and over to complete their high school
education on a full or part time basis in an alternative setting and
through alternative methods.  Credits are based on learner outcomes
and are measured in terms of performance rather than hours of
attendance.  Course work incorporates learning activities geared
towards the new Minnesota graduation standards. Credits may be earned
in the traditional academic areas, vocational areas, a work experience
program, parenting, or classes in the regular high school or Technical
College setting.

Learning occurs in small groups or individually with fully licensed
instructors.  Students have an individual learning plan which
addresses their long and short term goals as well as their individual
learning and support needs.  The teachers use computer assisted
learning when appropriate and students have access to the internet and
other technology to support their learning activities.

FOR LEARNERS AGED 12-15:
The program for 12-15 year olds is varied.  Students have learning
plans and schedules prepared on an individual basis.  They must attend
school full-time on a daily schedule.  Depending on their needs,
students may spend time in the regular middle school or junior high,
the Learning Center, or both.  Students¹ needs are addressed
holistically and include academic needs, vocational/pre-vocational,
and transition needs.  Also addressed are personal, family, and peer
interaction needs.  A student may be enrolled in a work-experience
program as well.  Support services will be provided as needed.
Students who are enrolled at the RRLC during the school year also
have the program available to them during the summer.

Assurances are made that students of this age are involved with their
regular school and age group as much as is possible and appropriate.
SCHOOL-TO-WORK PROVISIONS:
Full time students have a transition plan which begins with self
assessment  and career exploration.  Activities such as community
service, job exploration, work experience, and tech prep curriculum
are included when appropriate.  The RRLC works with the home school
for dual enrolled students to coordinate school-to-work activities in
an appropriate manner, so that each student maximizes his or her
opportunities for success after high school completion.

PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVISIONS:
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE ISSUES:
Students who have known or suspected problems of chemical and/or
alcohol abuse will be referred to the appropriate agencies for help
and encouraged in their efforts to overcome their problems.  Students
will also be encouraged to participate in a weekly  ³group² at the
Center run by staff from Lakeview Treatment Center to work on their
personal growth issues.  Students may earn units towards an elective
credit by attaining personal growth goals.
 
CHILD CARE:
Students with children will be supported in  their efforts to complete
school and when necessary may bring their children to school with
them.  There is a nursery for infants on site.  Any student who brings
a child with them to school is responsible for the child¹s care.  If
bringing a child to school interferes with either the parent¹s or
other¹s education, we will support the student placing the child in
appropriate day care.

YOUNG PARENT PROGRAM:
Students who are parents or pregnant will be encouraged to participate
in the Young Parent Program at the RRLC.  Elective credit will be
given for this class which is conducted by the staff from the Early
Childhood/Family Education program.
 
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION:
RRLC staff will work cooperatively with personnel from other agencies
(social services, public health, court services, etc.)  whenever
possible to help meet the needs of students.  Information will be
exchanged in accordance with data privacy laws and policies.
 

PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT COURSE:
Students may enroll in an elective course called Personal Growth and
Development. This course in individually designed for each student
based on their personal needs. It may incorporate activities and
learnings in the areas of future planning, family relations, healthy
choices (drug, sex, smoking, etc.), peer relations, anger management,
or others areas as determined by the student, parents, teachers, the
counselor, or agency personnel who work with the student.  Both
individual and group work is incorporated into this class and
learnings may occur outside of the traditional school setting.

NUMBERS OF LEARNERS SERVED, 1996-1997

In the 1996-1997 school year the Runestone Regional Learning Center
served 391 students at its Alexandria site.  Of these,15 were over the
age of 21, an 11 were under the age of 16 for at least part of their
enrollment in the Learning Center.  The rest were all senior high
students between the ages of 16 and 21.