WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released its ranking of all schools in North Carolina on Sept. 1.

All alternative schools in North Carolina were ranked based on the following formula: 20% -Student Persistence; 20% -School Achievement based on EOG and EOC test scores, the ACT test results, the 4 and 5 year graduation rate, and math course rigor; and 60% on Student Growth developed in conjunction with EVASS, which is a growth model for both students and teachers.

Main Street Academy received the highest ranking of “Progressing” as assigned by the Department of Public Instruction based on an improvement of at least three points from the 2014-15 school data. The school, under the leadership of Ronald Travis, principal, has been showcased at the local Collaborative Learning Conference and the statewide Alternative Schools Conference as one of the most progressive alternative schools in the state. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, all alternative schools in the district achieved “maintaining” or “progressing” status during the previous rating period.

Main Street Academy accepts students in grades 6-12 who are assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools who have violated the Student Code of Conduct. The school houses a Day Treatment Program and several character education programs including its site based “Jaguar Time” program and a new Youth Development Initiatives program beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Travis feels that it’s a team effort:  “While I understand the importance of intelligent, competent leadership in the form of the principal, it’s more important to have caring teachers who understand and believe in our students.”

Ronald Travis is beginning his third year as principal of Main Street Academy. He previously served as assistant principal and principal of Carver High School.