Marvelously, Marge’s Educational ReadSources training and materials provide a template that allows each teacher and school system to design the learning environment needed for each group of student learners.  The classroom could be one block of English in a student’s day, or, as in this case, a placement for the entire school day, all subjects.  The first 21^st Century  Workplace Program in Anderson County Schools offered an office/classroom in an alternative setting, in a building removed from the two county high schools, to at-risk students who wanted to start over- for a variety of reasons – in a different setting and type of program.  We have plans, with the support of the current Director of Special Education, Mrs. Becky Stewart, to create 21^st Century Workplace Programs in both county high schools next year, and both of these programs will be one block type programs.

The regular and special education students targeted and invited to attend an informational meeting in August of 1997 were students:

who were court ordered to school for truancy,
who had failed more than two subjects the previous semester,
who had been in treatment programs,
who were pregnant or young mothers/fathers,
who had multiple suspensions for minor offenses,
who had been referred by guidance counselors.

The 28 students who “signed on” arrived with much excitement and wonder to begin SY 1997-98 in a small, metal building to a non-graded, “work at your own pace, assemble your own office desk,” and “build your own computer” atmosphere. I'm sure they wondered, as did I, would this be different? Now, three years later, we can all resoundingly say, yes, it is different and successful. Over 120 students have spent one or more semesters in the program. I think all of them will say that the atmosphere, the philosophy, and the cutting edge technical training gave them a new outlook on life and their chance to succeed in it.

This 21^st Century Workplace office/classroom provided all needed academic classes during four blocks a day. Students worked in the office area or moved to an adjacent lab for all courses. Because the original group of students needed so many different academic credits, three other teachers taught various subjects while I taught all the English and Computer/Typing. In Block 1, students were working side by side to complete English I, II, and III, and Computer/Typing. I also began the employability training, as well as the volunteer program, and advisory board. In the succeeding years, I taught two blocks a day, and students finished the 3^rd and 4^th blocks at a technical program or at a School-to-Career work experience, while I coordinated monitoring the student work experience, volunteers, and mentors.

During SY 199-2000, a highly successful Graphic & Visual Arts Program, coordinated by Mr. Andy Meacham, was added to the curriculum choices for the students in the 21^st Century Workplace Program. In addition to the Wasatch interactive, integrated software, texts, other software programs, and the internet, students used a program from Jefferson County School District in KY, called Second Educational Opportunity Program that allowed them to work independently on all subjects. So, I evolved into an Introduction to Business, Psychology, Sociology, Science, American Govt., Economics, teacher as well as all levels of English and Computer/Typing teacher. I say it has been invigorating and rejuvenating

The older students thrive on helping the younger ones. The students are responsible for their own learning as much as I am responsible for teaching them.This environment inspires self-reliance, independence, and workplace skills. From the very beginning, this group of student learners was constantly surrounded by successful adults who were interested in helping them. Consequently, 24 of the original 28 achieved either a diploma or a GED, but all 28 profited from the 21^st Century Workplace Program experience, as have all the succeeding student learners. Now, graduates are helping, networking, and mentoring current students.

Although too numerous to mention here, I can cite many success stories. One student’s reading level improved from 2.7 (2^nd grade 7^th month) to 10.2 in one year. Other students have devoted many service or volunteer hours helping others in the community. Most students exhibit leadership skills that were previously dormant. Many have successful jobs with plans to enter the community colleges. When I had major surgery last spring, all the students, the oldest leading the way, assumed all the tasks of running the office/classroom to the amazement of the substitute teacher and other teachers. At the graduation ceremony, 360 people attended the ceremonies for the 14 graduates. The students designed and printed the graduation invitations and produced an annual (in the Graphic & Visual Arts, gave the speeches, and planned the other festivities.

Probably, my 21st Century Workplace Classroom at the Learn Center most resembles a century old "one room school house," only high-tech.  To me, this is teaching at its best.  Whatever needs to be taught - teach it.  Whatever needs to be done - do it.  Whoever needs to be helped, and whenever it is - do it.  Whatever it takes to help the student learners - do it.  Do whatever is necesssary to restore hope and to give the gift of knowledge.

I retired at the end of the 1999-2000 school year, but I was hired part-time to coordinate the 21^st Century Workplace Program. Another retired teacher, Mrs. Julia Ball, a very successful and acclaimed professional, works part-time teaching two blocks each day in the 21^st Century Workplace Classroom Program. We invite you all to come to beautiful East Tennessee, home of the Smoky Mountains, to visit our workplace. Our students will gladly tell you their stories and how they found a new purpose in the promise of the 21^st Century Workplace Program.   Casey, a student in the initial class in 1997, graduated and is now employed in the Special Ed. Dept of Anderson County schools.