This article is part of the “What’s Working” series, which highlights promising practices for helping to close the graduation gap in communities and states across the country.
Help from An Alternative School
Luckily, my sister convinced me to change schools before my sophomore year. Her Individualized Education Program case manager had found Paladin Career and Technical High school, which works with students who have had adverse childhood or traumatic experiences.
When I was homeless for the whole 11th grade year, the school introduced me to this program called Hope for Youth, which provided me with food, clothes, and hygiene products. Paladin also let me come in early and take a shower.
Though most students experiencing homelessness don’t feel comfortable telling their teachers, I didn’t hesitate to tell my success coordinator and the therapist they had helped me find.
I didn’t get into any major issues at Paladin—with all the support I had, I no longer needed to skip class—but I observed other students who did. And teachers always took the time to sit down with students and figure out what was going on, using what is known as a Restorative Practice approach to discipline.
To read more of Donavayn Robinson, High School Graduate's article, visit;
http://www.americaspromise.org...amp;utm_campaign=APB
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