Portraits of Success - EEA Learning Academy

wausau elementary schools

wausau Middle Schools

Wausau High Schools

Enrich, Excel, Achieve (EEA) Learning Academy
2607 North 18th Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-0630
Michael Wridt, Principal
www.wausau.k12.wi.us/eea

SCHOOL PROFILE

Enrich, Excel, Achieve Learning Academy (EEA) was created and continues to meet the needs of students in grades 6-12 who do not find the traditional school setting to be a fit for their academic needs. While many things make EEA unique, several elements stand out. A student-centered approach focuses every decision on the best interest of the students. Individualized curriculum for every student allows self-pacing of subjects and places students in control of their learning. EEA is designed to help students follow paths that emphasize their strengths. Involvement in real-life experiences help create purposeful learning. EEA has a strong emphasis on relationships and their importance in education. EEA strives for collaboration with parents, family members, guardians, and the student to create the best possible outcome for each child.

2011-2012 WORK THAT REFLECTS OUR SHARED KEY INTERESTS

Advance student learning, achievement and success by keeping it at the heart and as the filter for our decision making:

This is precisely the way EEA makes decisions. We challenge each other as a team to ensure that we accept our responsibility as the adults entrusted with students. We ask ourselves what we need to do differently to ensure that our students are learning what they need for future success.

Utilize research-based curricula that reflects 21st century themes and applications and are responsive to the needs and potential of all students, preparing them for a global society. Identify, integrate and expand technology to foster adaptability and maximize learning for all:

EEA utilizes 1:1 student computing and a computer-based curriculum that allows students to have a completely individualized educational plan. The curriculum provides lessons in a manner that research has shown improves reading and comprehension. EEA also provides a learning environment that has become a school “home” for many students who did not find their place in the traditional setting, making sure that ALL students are given such opportunities to learn.

Foster mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations that expand learning opportunities and resources:

EEA has operated under the philosophy that for students to become successful adults, we need to place many strong, positive adults in their lives. We do this through our partnerships. In the past seven years we have partnered with the Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service, Marathon County Restorative Justice, Head Start, Humane Society of Marathon County, Salvation Army, Health Care Center, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and Healthy Marathon County, to name just a few. EEA students and staff also serve on the Marathon County Alcohol and Other Drugs Partnership Council, through full council meetings and on the board. We call on experts in the community to bring information and resources into the school. We believe in teaching our students to give back to the community via service opportunities.

Provide real-life, diverse learning opportunities with practical applications in the classroom and beyond.

Students became teachers and taught their peers on topics in which they have demonstrated extraordinary ability. One such occasion was when students studied and created video games under the direction of one of the students in the class. This student teacher earned credit for teaching the class under the guidance of an EEA teacher.
Students conducted a marathon bike ride from Wausau to Green Bay covering nearly 100 miles in a little over seven hours of riding time. 90% of the students successfully completed the entire trip.
Students worked with the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum with their Toddler Tuesday program every month.
Several students worked with the Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) and the Kettering Foundation in a process called deliberation. Deliberation focuses on constructive conversations on a debatable topic, working through all options to come to a decision. The students ultimately created a movie to demonstrate this process for others across the nation.
Students completed intensive environmental studies at the School Forest for three days in the winter.
Students completed a sturgeon study on the Wolf River.
Community political leaders interacted with students in different ways throughout the school year to provide real life experiences. For example, city administration, including Mayor Tipple, worked with students on interviewing skills.
Students completed an in-depth study of martial arts that included world history, culture, and anatomical physics.
Students spent hours in local parks studying water fowl, herons, and water organisms at a macro and microscopic level.
Students traveled the city and worked with locals as they studied the history of Wausau.
Students studied health careers and learned anatomy and physiology that included interactions with the local hospitals and health professionals.
Students completed creative writing courses.
Students had opportunities to complete several service learning activities that included working with the Humane Society, Salvation Army, North Central Health Care, and students with special needs.

Inform and engage the community in shaping educational strategy and formulating responses to change.

Along with the service learning opportunities for our students, the EEA Governance Council began a strategic planning effort to refocus our school and look to the future. The first step in this process is reaching out to all stakeholders both inside and outside the school. The Governance Council is developing surveys that will be sent to these stakeholders to seek understanding and input on the future direction of the school. This strategic planning process will continue through the summer into next school year.

Provide safe, secure, flexible, inviting, and well-maintained environments that nurture student well-being and enhance teaching and learning.

Over the past year EEA has begun to upgrade its school environment through the purchase of new furniture and computers. EEA will continue this effort though next school year as we look to continue to enhance our learning environments in a way that is aligned with our school mission and vision for learning.

EEA 2012-2013 SMART Goals

75% of EEA students will average a daily completion rate of 6 graded assignments or more.
75% of EEA students will meet or exceed MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) expected growth rates.
EEA will achieve a 90% average daily attendance rate.