DIPLOMA -- A SECOND CHANCE
The Independent Diploma Program (IDP) at South Burlington High School attracts former students who left the high school setting without a diploma. No longer enrolled, these young people want another chance to earn this credential, a necessary prerequisite for college and desirable employment opportunities. The IDP makes it possible for these students to reconnect with high school without re-enrolling. Participants may be living independently with personal commitments that make the regular school schedule inaccessible or inconvenient. The first step for an interested student is to contact Tim Wile, Guidance Director at SBHS, to arrange an appointment. Depending on the number of credits still outstanding for graduation, a number of options are considered. The student’s former guidance counselor and the IDP coordinator then meet with the student to write an individual graduation plan. This plan may involve independent learning opportunities in coordination with the IDP Coordinator for those needing only a few credits or may involve collaboration with other programs in the community such as Vermont Adult Learning or Youth Build for those students needing a number of credits. The Program also works in collaboration with local colleges, so students may pursue a dual enrollment option.
The IDP, which is in its fourth year of operation, provides flexible structures for motivated, mature learners who are willing to commit time to independent study. Students meet once a week with the coordinator in an office at the South Burlington Community Library, a comfortable setting for young people who may be returning to school after months or years away. A former student who is taking 2 classes through the IDP and is also enrolled at CCV explained, “After quitting school in 2005, I was working at a dead-end restaurant job for a while and began to regret my decision to drop out of school. I kept wishing I could make my future prospects better. I finally got the courage to talk with Karen Grace, my former guidance counselor, and she suggested a few options, including the Independent Diploma Program. I worked with Kristina Stahlbrand, the IDP Coordinator, last year and have nearly completed all required credits for a diploma. I have a job and attend Community College of Vermont, where I will continue my coursework next semester. It feels wonderful to be on my way at last!”
During the past 3 years, the IDP has developed into an efficient program for students who avail themselves of this unique learning opportunity. By the end of the second year of operation, 10 students had received their diplomas and last year there were eight students who participated in the program. Five of these students earned diplomas and three are back in the program this year. Principal Pat Burke is particularly proud that staff members at South Burlington reached out to these eligible students by contacting them and encouraging them to apply.
Academic courses, designed for the IDP by high school teachers, are available in social studies, English, science, math, and health. A returning student who designed a program including courses at the University of Vermont and the SBHS requirement Public Issues and World Affairs said the flexible scheduling motivated him to apply to the program, “I have a full time job and I didn’t want to lose time from work every day. I needed one more credit, so this program was great since it met once a week and I could go during my lunch break.”
Contact information:
Tim Wile, Lead Guidance Counselor: 652-7523 or
email twile@sbschools.net
Kristina Stahlbrand, IDP Coordinator: 652-7199 or
kstahlbrand@sbschools.net
The Independent Diploma Program (IDP) at South Burlington High School attracts former students who left the high school setting without a diploma. No longer enrolled, these young people want another chance to earn this credential, a necessary prerequisite for college and desirable employment opportunities. The IDP makes it possible for these students to reconnect with high school without re-enrolling. Participants may be living independently with personal commitments that make the regular school schedule inaccessible or inconvenient. The first step for an interested student is to contact Tim Wile, Guidance Director at SBHS, to arrange an appointment. Depending on the number of credits still outstanding for graduation, a number of options are considered. The student’s former guidance counselor and the IDP coordinator then meet with the student to write an individual graduation plan. This plan may involve independent learning opportunities in coordination with the IDP Coordinator for those needing only a few credits or may involve collaboration with other programs in the community such as Vermont Adult Learning or Youth Build for those students needing a number of credits. The Program also works in collaboration with local colleges, so students may pursue a dual enrollment option.