Officials with the Lambton-Kent District School Board are encouraged by the continued turnaround of at-risk students.
Their supervised alternative learning program sees students working outside the classroom, completing computer courses or taking part in apprenticeships. Superintendent of Education Mike Gilfoyle says the students can also work towards graduating on time.
"Stay connected to the community by doing some community service and connect with an agency," Gilfoyle. "They can do some work that would allow them to meet the 40 hours of volunteering that's required for them to graduate."
Gilfoyle adds the most important part is being able to identify the students that actually need the help. Schools' student success departments work with administration and parents to try to meet this goal.
Gilfoyle says they have around 150 students in the program each semester. Last year 25% were back in school after one semester, with the majority returning by the end of the school year.
