Serious academic challenges, from difficult home lives to homelessness, are one reason why a small number of students in the Valley Stream Central High School District struggle to stay in school each year.
These external pressures can slowly erode students' confidence and well-being, and as their school performance declines, so do their chances of earning a high school diploma. Some people just quit.
Under Nontraditional Educational Intervention and Guidance in the District's Twilight Alternative Program, the school's principal, Daniel Williams, who also serves as director of the district's alternative program, not only prevents students from disengaging from education; It helped them achieve a previously unknown level of academic success.
Take-out
- minority Eighty of the students in the Valley Stream Central High School District are struggling to stay in school due to a variety of serious academic challenges, which can lead to lower academic performance and an increased likelihood of dropping out.
- Twilight alternative programLed by Principal Daniel Williams, the school offers a night high school option for seniors and credit-deficient students who have not been successful in a traditional high school setting.
- Daniel Williams is At this spring's awards ceremony, she was recognized with the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award for her years of dedication to alternative education.
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For this reason, and in line with his long-standing dedication to the field of alternative education, Mr. Williams, along with 10 other educators, will receive the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award at a ceremony this spring. The honor recognizes those who have “made a significant impact on public education in Nassau County” and who have “enabled students of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential.”
From 2017 to 2022, the Valley Stream Central High School District had between six and 15 students drop out each year. The dropout rate in the approximately 4,600-student district hovers between 1 and 2 percentage points, much lower than the state average of 5 to 6 percent.
Additionally, in recent years, the number of Valley Stream high school dropouts has fallen to single digits. The introduction of the Twilight replacement program three years ago likely played a role in this reduction.
Bringing students back from the brink of academics
What exactly is the program?
As Williams puts it, the program “offers a night high school option for students who are too old to have enough credits,” meaning they will graduate with more credits than students their age would normally earn. This refers to students who have fewer credits to complete and, for whatever reason, “did not succeed in a traditional high school environment.”
The program currently has about 20 students, up from three the first year, with a maximum enrollment of 50. The school is open Monday through Thursday from 3:45 to 8:15 p.m. and has a strong staff of licensed teachers. This includes people with special education and special language backgrounds, staff social workers, school counselors, and teaching assistants.
Williams said there are a variety of reasons why these students are brought to the program.
“My students have anxiety. My students have to work for their families during the day and they have to take care of their younger brothers and sisters,” she said. “Some of my students believe that they just fell far behind[in their studies]and suddenly their grades drop and there's no way to recover.”
Lives have changed and schools have been redefined.
Although situations often vary, Williams said students typically come to her program as a last-ditch attempt to finish their schooling when nothing else works.
All potential and prospective students sit face-to-face with Mr. Williams to assess their specific challenges, personal motivations, mental and emotional fears, and stumbling blocks.
The conversations take place in an “interview-style” format, demonstrating the seriousness of the program's intent to turn the tide on student academic decline.
“Some of my students understand what I'm saying, but they feel hopeless inside themselves,” Williams says. “It's their heart, it's their fight, and what we offer is an opportunity for forgiveness and reprieve.”
But along with a caring new start, students are also given discipline. Cell phone use is prohibited in the classroom. There is a dress code and punctuality is required.
“One of the words I use now with my students at Twilight is, “You can't teach me what you want.'' In my first interview with my students, I say, “I'm here to support you.'' , we will provide you with all the resources you need, but you must believe in yourself to get to the finish line.”
Ms. Williams’ motivation to help put students on the path to graduation comes from her own “underdog” story.
Despite being a “terrible test taker with extreme anxiety” from an early age, Williams continued her education, attending Hampton University at the age of 16, where she earned a number of titles and certifications. .
“I have always had an affinity for working with students who are considered vulnerable,” Williams said. “I have always had an affinity for students who thought they couldn’t do it and showed them that they can do more than they ever thought possible.”
Have something to say about this article? Email jlasso@liherald.com.
