Chicago Heights School District 170's REACH Program Addresses Specific Student Needs

Alternative education usually is described as a non-traditional education, or an educational alternative that can be applied to students of all ages and all levels of education.

At Chicago Heights School District 170, the alternative education program that addresses the specific learning and socialization needs of a limited number of students is known as REACH (Redefining Educational Alternatives in Chicago Heights).

In keeping with the traditional tenets of the educational alternative movement, REACH emphasizes the value of small class sizes, close relationships between students and teachers, and a sense of community while working with children of all grade levels who have had issues affecting their success in the traditional school environment.

“Our district makes every effort to address the different needs of all of its students,” said Jill Raymond, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services. “Finding ways of giving them their best chance at success in the classroom is a primary goal of that effort.”

“We realize that not every student fits into a “cookie-cutter” schematic of the educational dynamic, and we have implemented the REACH initiative as a direct response to addressing the educational, social and emotional developmental needs of at-risk students,” Raymond noted.

The REACH Program, housed at Washington-McKinley School, is highly structured and progressive in meeting the needs of its student population. Small teacher-student class ratios, the constant presence of additional certified and support staff, and a variety of programs and activities enhance the students’ educational experience and promote success in even the most trying situations.

“We embrace the challenge and opportunity of assisting a group of students who, for whatever reason, are unable to assimilate into the traditional culture of their home school,” said Christopher Baikauskas, Director of the REACH Program.

“Our dedicated teachers, specialists, and ancillary staff, working in concert with central office administrators and a Board of Education that is passionate about providing a sound educational program for all of our students, has helped make REACH an important part of the District 170 dynamic.”

The program does not subscribe to a “one model fits all” approach that often exists at other schools. While adhering to the district’s curriculum and its accompanying timelines, the program seeks to create and maintain methods of learning and teaching that can maximize the rate of success for all its students.

“The REACH Program has become an important element of the District 170 continuum,” said Tom Amadio, Superintendent of Schools.

“As educators our first priority must be to provide all of our students with the best chance to be successful in school, and to lay a foundation upon which they can build a successful life. The REACH Program, although a costly undertaking, is a key component in helping to achieve that goal.”