Brookside's Progress On National Education Goals...

The National Education Goals, also known as Goals 2000, are an outgrowth of the 1989 Education Summit convened by the National Governors Association and former President Bush. The goals seek to raise the standards and expectations for all American students and schools. The goals have been adopted and expanded by President Clinton.

Goal: Readiness for School...

For than 20 years, Michigan has mandated service to students with disabilities from birth or when identified. The Cass County Early On program supported twenty-two families whose infants are at risk and/or have a handicapping condition. The Infant/Toddler Program provided services to 17 children and their parents, guardians, or caretakers. A search for children under six years of age who may have a handicapping condition was conducted through Child Find. 90 children were screened either at Brookside or at the local elementary schools in Dowagiac and Edwardsburg. 43 Children were evaluated by a diagnostic team and 42 were recommended for direct services. Our PrePrimary Program prepares students for later entry into full-time school and related support services as specified in the IEP. Brookside also offers a breakfast program to help insure that students are not humgry and are prepared to learn.

Goal: High School Completion...

Five of our students completed their educational programs by reaching age 26. The students were transitioned to Woodlands Rehabilitation for continued services. The high school EMI program is developing a portfolio and a critera for completion of the Life Skills curriculum.

Goal: Student Achievement and Citizenship...

The goal in the Brookside Learning Center mission statement and for the individual programs is to increase student's personal independence and reach their maximum potential. We strive to have students become contributing members of society. To continue fostering citizenship, all classrooms were furnished with American flags and all students are being taught respect and honor for the flag and American values to their ability level.

Goal: Safe, Disciplined and Drug Free School...

Our School setting has historically been a safe environment for learning. The staff is trained in crisis intervention and personal safety awareness. The twp formal programs that the staff are familiar with are: Cornell Theraputic Crisis Intervention and the Mandt System: Managing People.

Goal: Professional Development...

We have numerous activities for our staff to update their skills. As a part of the school calendar, we have several days set aside for staff development. The staff attends different conferences that are specific to their area of interest. All staff have been given the opportunity to participate in technology training, special education outcomes, and behavior management programs.

Goal: Parent Involvement...

We have strong support from our students' parents and guardians. We hope to continue this relationship and keep our parent involvement at a high level. Every student has an annual Individual Educational Planning Conference (IEPC). The meetings are held at a mutually agreed upon time and place. The parent receives two notices of the meeting and has the option to come to the meeting, change it, or have it held without them. 139 meetings were held this past school year, with 84 parents in attendance. Approximately 60% of the parents actively participate in the planning of their student's educational program.

Parents are given the opportunity to communicate with the staff through parent conferences, phone calls, home visits, and written correspondence. Outside of formal IEP meetings, the staff has contact with the parents approximately 3,000 times. Considering that approximately 110 students receive services, the parents are in contact with the school staff an average of 27 times a year.

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