Melinda Strickland - More than a Test Score: Strategies for Empowering At-Risk Youth

Foreword

I first met Melinda when I went to Rome, Georgia, to deliver a workshop and she invited me to visit her school, the Floyd County Education Center. She told me that the school was composed of many students who had made bad decisions. Some had been adjudicated and had been given a choice of being expelled or going to her school. I agreed to visit, not knowing what to expect. When I arrived at the school, Melinda and members of her staff stood at the front door and welcomed every student. And every student, large and small, male and female, gave her a hug.

Anyone who has worked with Melinda recognizes that she is compassionate, articulate, intelligent, perceptive, and passionate about helping children and schools improve. More Than a Test Score demonstrates these concepts.

Melinda gives you, the reader, a comprehensive assessment as to what is currently taking place in education as well as a model for improvement. As she writes, We must have the moral courage to look deeper than the symptoms of low academic achievement, high school dropouts, and teen pregnancy to examine the real root causes. And believe me, Melinda has the moral courage.

Educators have seen a dramatic increase in the number of at-risk learners, adjudicated students, students placed in special education, and school dropouts, and yet few have developed a process to reduce these factors. Many educators have given up on these students, writing them off. Not Melinda, her staff, or her school. This book describes a successful process.

The book is more than a what to do document; it is a how to do it. Teachers, counselors, and administrators appreciate the what to do but need the how to do it. The book is filled with specific techniques and resources and develops a clear roadmap easy for all to follow.

Melinda Strickland has not glossed over the difficulties of establishing a supportive learning environment. Her book is a call to action to those who wish to improve the state of education. I urge all who read it to go forth and do likewise.

Franklin P. Schargel

Albuquerque, NM

Acknowledgments

W orking to fulfill a dream is never easy without the help and support of those around you. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I acknowledge my colleagues and family, whose help and support cannot be overlooked.

I never realized the value of growing up in the small town of Charleston, Tennessee, until I was off in college. Attending school in the same two buildings for grades 1 through 12 showed me the value of a small learning community and the influence of everyone involved in raising the children. It took me a long time to realize that not everyone was my blood kin, but everyone treated me as if they were. The teachers and staff encouraged me to do my best and not let obstacles prevent me from trying. The members of the community embraced me with life lessons and influenced me in many ways. Thank you, Charleston, for giving me wings!

To my mother, Lydia Atchley, you have been my personal prayer warrior and cheerleader throughout my life. You have always said I could do anything I set out to do.

To my terrific husband, Tim, you supported and encouraged me to seek my dream. As my soulmate, you walked this journey holding my hand each step of the way. On the days I couldnt do any more your love reached into my heart and revived my spirit.

To Meredith, Jake, Trevor, and Tylan, thank you for your support and understanding. Your support throughout this journey has amazed me. Thank you for the joys you create in my life each day.

To the staff at FCEC, your understanding and tireless effort is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Dr. Dale Hamby, Dr. Amy Allee, Dr. Rob Boice, Mrs. Kim Baker, Mr. Eric Burkhalter, Mr. John Bryant, Mr. Steve Buffington, Mr. Roger Dewey, Ms. Melissa Martin, Mrs. Sally Maddox, Mrs. Jennifer Massey, Ms. Marisa Foster, Mrs. Laura Windom, Dr. Harvey Palmer, Mrs. Ann Talley, Ms. Lisa Nichols, Ms. Donna Johnson, Mrs. Faye Dawson, Mrs. Tanya Winston, and Mr. Jeff Bennett, for allowing me to share your ideas and going beyond all limits to help our students. Thanks especially to Dale and Amy, my critics and companions on this project: without your support this would not be possible, nor near as much fun.

To the leaders and employees of the Floyd County school system, your support of our program has encouraged many students to stay in school and strive for a quality life through a quality education. Thank you for your encouragement by putting the needs of all students as the top priority in our system.

To all the students who have passed through the doors of the FCEC, you have taught me much more than I could ever teach you. Never settle for less than your best. It is time to rise above circumstances, continue to gain knowledge, and create your own success.

Thank you, Gracie and Rosie, for mentoring and encouraging me from day one in education by showing me the value of each child. You are invaluable and dear to me.

Finally, to my daddy, Claude Shell, you placed a high value on education all my life. You never let me settle for less than my best, even when I thought I had achieved it. Your guidance and assurance have made me the person I am today. I cannot begin to thank you for always, always showing me that I am responsible for what I become, and that you would always be there for me. Without your sacrifices each day, I would never have reached my dream. Thank you for making such a difference in my life.

Introduction

T ake a walk down memory lane to visit your years as a student. You may recall special events in school like fall festivals, dances, athletic events, or field trips. Dont forget your friends and times shared hanging out and having fun. When discussing school days almost every person can recall a special teacher who made an impact in his or her educational journey. That educator took the time to know all about you and challenged you to do your best. The teacher believed in your abilities and pushed you to excel. Your special educator developed a relationship with you.