School-within-a School (SWS) is a middle school structured program designed to meet the needs of twenty (20) students grades six through eight identified as at-risk for school failure. The middle school SWS is staffed by two teachers and one paraprofessional. The referral procedure is as follows:

1. Referral to Student Assistance Team (SAT) or Individual Education Plan (IEP)

2. Intervention plan is implemented

3. Response to intervention is documented. If the student fails to respond to the intervention, the program coordinator considers placement at SWS.

4. Placement at SWS

5. Personalized Improvement Plan (PIP) is written. The PIP is developed by a program team that includes the program director, case manager, teachers, parents, and the student. The student’s strengths and needs will be outlined to formulate a PIP, which will guide interventions and ongoing progress monitoring.

Students in SWS use the same textbooks as their peers in the general education classroom. After a student shows progress and success in the SWS, she will transition back into the general education classroom. Students transitioning back into the general education classroom are closely monitored to help insure student success.

All Level I and II SWS students participate in service learning activities. According the National Community Trust Act of 1993 service learning is a method under which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community needs. Service learning helps students feel connected to school and the community along with strengthening resiliency.