ForwardVIEW Academy

ForwardVIEW Academy Calendar 2009 – 2010 (PDF)

In 1994, constituent school districts comprising the Southern Rhode Island Collaborative (SORICO) expressed the need to provide special education programming for adolescent students whose ability to conform behaviorally to traditional middle and secondary education programs was a significant challenge. Responding to this challenge, Riverview was created. Within Riverview, two programs were developed: the Alternative Learning Program (ALP) and the Clinical Day Program (CDP).

Ten years later, in 2004, the program was renamed ForwardVIEW Academy to reflect the aims of the program. The mission of ForwardVIEW Academy is to provide a quality education for middle and high school students who are challenged academically and behaviorally by traditional education programs while demonstrating and valuing the differences in individuals as well as their similarities. The desired outcome for program participants is that graduates will become productive and contributing members of the community and their families.. In 2007, the two programs , Alternative Learning Program (ALP) and Clinical Day Program (CDP), were merged into one.

ForwardVIEW Academy programs focus on:

• establishing and maintaining intensive advocacy for students and graduates;
• the development of increasing behavioral success in the pursuit of academic growth and development in a highly structured learning environment;
• the utilization of incentives for learning and appropriate behavior through a defined point system;
• implementing specific transition-based plans, including varied vocational assessments, vocational information, job shadowing, internships and work-study, as appropriate;
• involving students in relationship-building, individual goal setting, and increasing self-management and independence-based activities;
• individualizing for students to the degree necessary in order to accomplish academic and behavioral milestones;
• provision of counseling services.

What is ForwardVIEW Academy?

ForwardVIEW Academy is a nonprofit alternative education program with a clinical component. The Program is staffed by teachers, mentors or classroom assistants, clinicians and a site coordinator. Students have access to a job specialist. The Academy serves the nine southern districts in Rhode Island and services students in non-SORICO districts such as Warwick, Cranston, and Coventry. Our students are referred by a school district which pays the tuition. Some reasons for referral are:

• difficulty learning in a traditional classroom setting
• truancy and multiple suspensions
• behavioral difficulties

What grade levels does ForwardVIEW service?

The Program services grades 7 through 12

Where is ForwardVIEW Academy?

ForwardVIEW Academy is located at 646 Camp Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

How do I get referred to ForwardVIEW Academy?

You may have heard about ForwardVIEW Academy from teachers, guidance counselors, community counselors, educational advocates or other students. If you are interested in coming to the Academy, you must ask your Special Education Director for information. Students may be covered by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), 504 or other educational plan. Students are then referred, interviewed and approved for the program by the ForwardVIEW Academy Staff.

What will I learn at ForwardVIEW Academy?

At ForwardVIEW Academy, you will have five major classes which include Math, Science, Social Studies, English and Physical Education/Health, which include the new Graduation by Proficiency requirements. Electives including Art, Music, Photography and Technology Readiness are also available. Some students use books from their school district, while others follow the curriculum of the Academy. Specific courses needed by students in a district can be taken at the ForwardVIEW Academy.

How is ForwardVIEW Academy different from district schools?

All subjects are taught in classrooms of seven or eight students. Our small classroom size allows teachers to provide individual instruction and modified lessons for every student. Support staff is always available to assist in the learning process. As with public schools, the program lasts 27.5 hours per week.

What is work study?

Many students at ForwardVIEW Academy take part in vocational exploration, job shadowing, internships and work study. They are able to earn credit for working at paid positions.

Are there extracurricular activities?

Even if you are a full time student at ForwardVIEW Academy, you are still a part of your regular school system. Therefore, you are able to participate in any extracurricular activities at your sending school. Our students may play school sports, attend school dances, take driver’s education classes and participate in other after school programs.

Can I return to my school?

ForwardVIEW Academy students who successfully complete our transition program may return to their sending schools at any time. The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 team develops and implements a transition plan. The transition process is initiated by the student

Will I earn my Diploma from ForwardVIEW Academy?

You can remain at ForwardVIEW Academy for as long as the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team agrees to the placement . Our students graduate with a diploma issued from their sending school even if they remain in our programs for their entire high school career. Students have the option to participate in all of the graduation activities with their class.

How does ForwardVIEW assist in job/college placement?

Our School to Career coordinator is constantly reaching into the community for job shadowing and job placement opportunities. She also uses community resources and key community leaders as guest speakers. Regular visits are also scheduled to vocational training programs and to two and four year colleges. Students are administered a learning style and career inventory and referrals are made to the Office or Rehabilitation Services when appropriate.

Who do I contact for more information about ForwardVIEW Academy?

For referral packet, an appointment to visit or additional information, you may contact:

Jeannette Roolf-Rothwell, Education Director at (401) 295-2888 ext. 103 or email
jeannette.rothwell@cox.net

Ms. Sue Wilcox, Coordinator of Educational Services, (401) 295-2888, ext. 112 or email
suew@ride.ri.net.

Hours are between 8 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Our fax number is: 401-295-3232