Madison School District proposes ‘micro school’ for troubled students at La Follette

Karen Rivedal:

Participation would be voluntary, with staff spending this week with students and parents in recruitment efforts. A family orientation is to be held April 3, with a launch on April 5 and a review of how it’s going as soon as May 11.

Program staff are to include a full-time teacher and social worker and a part-time special education caseworker and restorative justice coordinator, Jara said.

A sample day, according to a staff presentation, would offer “community building and soft skills development,” tailored and flexible academics, and a class called Hip Hop Architecture 101, in which students could learn applied math and science skills from industry professionals.

Staff members envision up to 40 percent of the initial enrollment would be special education students. Enrollment also would trend male and African-American.

Madison has long tolerated disastrous reading results, despite spending more than most, now nearly $20,000 per student.