MCH joins University of Texas charter school system

Students, teachers and administrators are walking the hallways with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and pride this fall as they enjoy the benefits of the new University Charter School Methodist Children's Home Campus.

In an effort to better meet the educational needs of students, Methodist Children's Home joined the University of Texas - University Charter School system last summer. The MCH Campus is one of 18 charter schools affiliated with the University of Texas. The majority of the school campuses are located in child care facilities throughout the state.

"Our relationship with the University of Texas - University Charter School System lends credibility to our program," said Judy Green, who has served as director of the Methodist Children's Home School program for the last nine years. "They share our passion to provide learning opportunities for all students in a safe and structured environment."

All residents in the structured care program and selected basic care residents attend school on the MCH campus. Due to academic and behavioral needs, these students require more flexibility and individual attention than public school systems offer. Enhanced staffing, a 4:1 student/caregiver ratio, positive behavior management and the various academic options available through the school are key factors for residents who achieve academic success and personal growth through the MCH program.

Residents who successfully complete the MCH program transfer into the public school system. Although the majority of MCH students will earn their diploma through Waco Independent School District, students may earn a diploma through the Methodist Children's Home Charter School Campus when needed.

As part of its affiliation with the University of Texas - University Charter School System, the Methodist Children's Home Campus must meet rigorous academic standards and accountability assessments established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

"Many people think that since we are a charter school, we have fewer academic guidelines to follow, but this is not the case," Green said. "We are a fully accredited program and must meet all educational guidelines set forth by the Texas Education Agency and the University of Texas - University Charter School System."

Methodist Children's Home offers a diverse academic curriculum for 6th through 12th grades, including a self-paced credit remediation program for students who need to increase their high school credits. Administrators designed the regular education curriculum to mirror that of Waco Independent School District so Methodist Children's Home students in the campus school can make an easier transition into the public school system.

This fall, there are 100 students enrolled in the charter school. Two-thirds of these students meet regular education requirements while one-third of these students meet special education requirements. The school utilizes an inclusion model, where both regular and special education students are served in all classrooms rather than the traditional self-contained classroom.

Classes are taught by nine highly qualified teachers who are required to have both regular and special education certifications. In addition, teachers are assisted in the classroom by instructional facilitators and youth care counselors. The instructional facilitators must have an associate's degree or approximately 60 hours of college credit in order to work in the school. Instructional facilitators are encouraged to work toward an education degree.

"We have 100 students all of whom have different learning needs and teachers must be prepared to meet those needs," Green said. "This preparation requires daily commitment on the part of each teacher to provide an individualized educational plan and an academic environment where each student can be successful."

In preparation for the new charter school, Methodist Children's Home spent the past year remodeling and refurbishing its existing school facilities, which included the addition of new and spacious classrooms and a well-equipped science lab. Food service staff provides three meals daily for structured care residents in a state-of-the-art kitchen and cafeteria.

Methodist Children's Home also made a significant upgrade in technology. Students have access to 69 computers, which includes computer stations in every classroom and a new computer lab. The computers are connected to a wire-less network, which provides access to Internet resources for assignments and research.

Computers, textbooks, curriculum resources and staff support in the school are provided through a collaboration between Methodist Children's Home and the University of Texas - University Charter School. Jeff Rhodes, superintendent of the University Charter School System, makes a weekly on-site visit to provide support for school personnel.

"I appreciate the support provided by the University of Texas - University Charter School System," Green said. "They understand that we are here to serve children and that we put children first. And, they allow us to incorporate the Methodist Children's Home strength-based philosophy throughout our school program."

Green also appreciates the support of Methodist Children's Home, including donors, administrators, campus life directors, social workers, child care staff and homeparents.

"We would not be able to have a successful program without their ongoing support," she said. "With God's help through Methodist Children's Home resources and dedicated staff, we are able to provide a truly child-centered program designed to meet the educational needs of individual students."

This article appeared in the October 2003 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas