What’s Right With Our Schools: The Diamond Academy
School leaders say they’re decreasing behavior problems, while increasing student achievement.
School Principal Brian Howell just finished his first year at the academy, and is working to make this school year even better.
“Everyone is allowed a mistake,” Howell says, “Now, if you keep making the same mistake over and over again that means you either like doing that, or something is wrong with you.”
He made a few simple changes he believes will get students, faculty and staff to open their minds to the bigger picture.
Howell started with a new coat of paint.
“So when you walk into the building now you see something different.”
And a new brand: the
“Let’s go ahead and change the name.”
It’s an alternative learning environment where students are placed to catch up on school work if they’re falling behind, or for teachers to correct behavior problems. The goal is for everyone to graduate on time.
“If they’re out of school they’re bored…they’re going to get in trouble,” says Howell.
Leaders says there’s no way you’ll give up.
“So we try to keep them here as much as possible.”
With a little trust and patient teachers, theses diamond in the rough are able to achieve a better educational future.
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