Research on Small Learning Communities has revealed that students in these programs have overall better attendance records, lower dropout rates, fewer discipline problems and more academic success. Additionally, students report feeling more nurtured, safer and more connected to adults and their school.
Teachers also experience greater satisfaction teaching in smaller learning environments.
The increased student teacher contact allows teachers to serve students as individuals. As we move into the 21 st century we must confront the fact that a factory-like model established for our schools in the 19 th century is no longer working in our schools. In light of the new standards in Social Studies, as well as public attitudes towards politics and civic responsibility, it is necessary to reemphasize civic, government and law-related education. Programs are designed to incorporate academic courses in an interdisciplinary fashion around the themes of government and civic responsibility. Specially designed current-events based simulation activities enable students to learn about the processes of government, while exploring issues that are impacting society and their lives.