By Tameasha Blair
FOCUS is the new name for a restructured AIP, and it means exactly what its letters stand for: Firm Organized Character Modification Training to Gain Unlimited Success. The program targets academic areas for tutoring and has specific goals unlike the AIP of old.
Already, someone could argue FOCUS is better than AIP, but I’m just getting started.
Targeted areas for tutoring include math, English, reading, life skills, communication skills and conflict resolution. Program goals include consistency, discipline, fair treatment, equality, stability, critical thinking and decision-making.
Alternative education teacher Jeff Edmonds is in charge of FOCUS, which has strict guidelines for student behavior in the trailer located across Messer Road. Phones are confiscated at the door, and lunch is in the trailer so that those in attendance have little contact with other students. And wait for this jaw-dropper: FOCUS has a community service component that includes picking up litter on campus and cleaning up the cafeteria.
Normally, I don’t agree with everything teachers and administrators say or do, but in the past, too many people enjoyed going to AIP.
With the new rules in place, continuing to go to FOCUS can result in loss of privileges like attending school activities or eating lunch in the cafeteria. Ultimately, the new program will deter students from getting in trouble. Assistant principal Cody Streightiff said FOCUS is a punishment for bad behavior, but the ultimate goal is to create a positive change in students.
Now let me bring this home for you: getting in trouble is not what’s up. It’s not cool, and it doesn’t make you look good. I like what FOCUS brings to the table. FOCUS can teach how to build character, cope with problems, connect and correct.
Before you disagree with me, just remember if you don’t get in trouble, you’ll never have to worry about it.
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