The swing dance lesson was presented by Mike Nelson, Director of Keys To Safer Schools. He was visiting the Elm Street Center on matters more closely related to his profession of mental health therapist and writer of behavior modification programs for alternative schools. But his other skills were pressed into service by this resourceful staff and the pleading of the students. This type of activity is far more common in the GT classes, whereas the alternative classes are usually seen as a place where kids learn to sit down, shut up and pay attention. At the Elm Street Center, at risk students are offered a variety of experiences that reward positive behavior and hold their attention.
B is for boundaries.
Student are given strong and consistent boundaries, often for the first time in their lives. A stable, orderly learning environment is gained through strict adherence to school policies regarding dress, language and classroom behavior. A is for attendance. Not only is being in school rigidly enforced, being punctual is stressed, expected and given. S is for social skills.