Dunbar Learning Center

Learning Center Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.

STAFF
Belinda Whitten - Administrator
Kathy Hoover - Secretary
Cindy Cisneros McGilvrey - Teacher
Melvin McClellan - Teacher
Dena Williams - Counselor

What is the Learning Center?

The Dunbar Learning Center serves the educational needs of youth and adults for whom the traditional school setting is not appropriate. The competency-based on-line learning system provides an alternative program with flexible scheduling for youth and adults who wish to earn a high school diploma.

The student's commitment and desire to receive a high school diploma, combined with a caring, positive school climate, determine the student's degree of success. The Dunbar Learning Center is designed to serve only those individuals who are self-disciplined, strongly motivated, and committed to furthering their education in a self-paced environment.

The mastering learning APEX curriculum used at the Dunbar Learning Center allows students to progress at their own rate. Using computer-assisted technology, learning modules or one-to-one and small group instruction, students demonstrate 80% mastery of USD 259 curriculum standards. Dunbar Learning Center also provides workplace competencies and employment information for students as well.

The Dunbar Learning Center Program is a performance-based program that allows students to work at their own pace according to their own schedule. All courses are aligned with the curriculum standards of the Wichita Public Schools.

Expectations
All students enter the Dunbar Learning Center on probation. Student status will be evaluated at the end of one month. Progress must be made towards graduation.

All students enrolled in the Dunbar Learning Center are expected to maintain continuous academic improvement while in pursuit of completing high school graduation requirements of the Wichita Public Schools USD 259. Students are mandated to complete a minimum of a .5 credit before the conclusion of the first month of enrollment, and thereafter, before the conclusion of each month until the graduation requirements are met. Failure to secure a monthly .5 credit will automatically result in the students being placed on academic probation. Failure to secure a .5 credit for two consecutive months will result in the student being given a 30 days leave of absence. In addition to the 30 days leave of absence, the student must receive the director's approval for re-enrollment. All students at the Dunbar Learning Center will be advised and evaluated on an ongoing basis through the Dunbar Learning Center Advisory Program.

School Schedule
The Dunbar Learning Center will operate on an eleven (11) month calendar. Dunbar Learning Center will be closed for district holidays and in-service days. The Superintendent will make the final decision if school will be open regarding bad weather.

Student Orientation
All students will have to attend the student orientation before they will be able to start school. The student orientation will consist of Dunbar Learning Center expectations, rules and regulations, school procedures, APEX curriculum, etc.

Attendance
In order for students to succeed at the Dunbar learning Center, it is important that students attend regularly. Regular attendance is directly related to academic achievement. All students will be required to sign-in and sign-out on the time clock in the classroom. Students must remain in the classroom and will not be allowed to leave the classroom for a long period of time. Please stay focused on reaching your goal to receive your high school diploma.

Graduation Requirements
Graduates of the Dunbar Learning Center are awarded a Northeast Magnet High School diploma. The student's transcript will show courses completed and grades earned in the competency-based system.

Graduates must meet all USD 259 requirements, which are listed below:

A minimum of 22 credits will include:

    a. Four units of Language Arts
    b. Three units of Mathematics
    c. Three units of Social Studies
    d. Three units of Science
    e. One unit of Physical Education
    f.  One unit of Fine Arts
    g. 14 credits of Elective Study

APEX Curriculum
All course work and the quiz can be completed at home and/or at the center. All tests must be taken at the center. No instructional materials or aids may be removed from the classrooms without instructor approval.

The basic unit of instruction for each course is the learning module. Each module is based upon a competency statement (what the student must do to demonstrate mastery of the module which is correlated to a district standard). The student must achieve 80% mastery before proceeding to the next competency.

The staff's responsibility is to guide students through his or her instructional plan, administer tests and evaluate portfolios. All students at the Dunbar Learning Center will be advised and evaluated on an ongoing basis through the Dunbar Learning Center Advisory Program.

Grades
Before a student begins a course, he or she will develop, along with the teacher, a plan for progress or performance expectations. If a student repeatedly fails to progress according to his or her plan/contract, the teacher may request the administration to evaluate the student situation and make recommendations. Upon satisfactory completion of all modules in the course, the final grade will be posted on the student's academic achievement record. Partial credits will not be awarded.

Application Guidelines

In order to apply a student must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• No longer attending school/No longer attending or enrolled in a traditional school
• Interview with the Director and be accepted into the program

Each application will be evaluated individually.

How does the Learning Center work?

Learning Center courses provide a variety of learning experiences, including computer assisted instruction, audio visual materials, written materials, and research. Not all courses utilize all approaches. Students work at their own pace to complete assignments. Certified teaching staff are available to assist students individually.

What courses are offered?

The Learning Center program offers the APEX curriculum of courses needed to complete a high school diploma.

How much does it cost?

High School student - There will be a $75.00 fee for each half-credit. The payment must be made at the Northeast Magnet School - The student will need to bring their receipt to Dunbar Learning Center for the enrollment process. No refunds will be made after the first class period. Students will have one calendar year to complete their course work and receive credit.

Community Student - There will ONLY be a $5.00 dollar fee for the entire program. The payment must be made at the Dunbar Learning Center. No refunds will be made after the first class period.

How do I enroll?

• Call or visit a Learning Center of your choice.
• Speak with a school counselor to make sure the Learning Center Program is right for you.
• Complete a Learning Center Program application. Remember, if you are currently enrolled in a high school, you will need the signature of the base school principal.

To learn more visit, Yes you can.

Exit east I-135 at 8^th/9^th Street exit. Go West on 9^th Street and turn North on Cleveland Street. The Learning Center is on the Northwest corner. See Maps for all USD 259 locations.

Dunbar Learning Center Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide opportunities for members of the community to complete a high school diploma and to become life long learners at an individualized pace in a technology rich environment.

The Dunbar Learning Center is an individualized program that:

• Allows students to move through the course work at their own pace
• Allows flexible days and times to make it possible for students to build their own schedule
• Requires motivation, have commitment and be persistent

The Work of the Wichita Public Schools
The work of Wichita Public Schools is to empower all students with the 21st century skills and knowledge necessary for success by providing a coherent, rigorous, safe and nurturing, culturally responsive and inclusive learning community.
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To learn more visit, Yes you can.