Having spent 33 years in West Central Illinois as an educator working in special education, general education, and as an administrator, I believe with my whole heart and soul what Paulo Friere said, that “education is freedom.”
With that in mind, I’d like to tell you about the program where I’ve served as principal for the past 10 years - ROYALS, the alternative education program provided by the Regional Office of Education #26.
ROYALS sites can be found in Carthage, Canton and Macomb. Working with 20 districts throughout the region, we provide an alternative route to graduation. Last year, ROYALS served 111 students from the region. 18 students completed their requirements for graduation and received their high school diplomas from their home districts.
ROYALS students are students of great promise, students who need another shot at getting it right in school. They’ve been chronically truant, at risk of dropping out, they may be credit deficient or disaffected with school in general. A student may be a teen parent. Some are suspension or expulsion eligible, or dealing with physical or mental health challenges.
When students are truant, usually it is NOT because they simply do not wish to attend school. Many are dealing with hardships like working to support themselves or families, serving as caregivers for siblings or parents, or navigating parenthood themselves. Some struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma. Other students face instability or may be affected by addiction—either their own or of someone in the household. These challenges can make it nearly impossible to thrive in a school setting.
Imagine missing school for a week or more due to a necessary family visit out of town, a lengthy absence for illness, or a hospitalization. You return and are overwhelmed by ten days of assignments from seven different courses. To many, this becomes insurmountable.
ROYALS is dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstances. Utilization of online, asynchronous courses and a smaller setting can be a game-changer for student success. Navigating difficult times or making a misstep should not exclude anyone from getting an education.
Our mission is to guide students toward success by providing a safe, supportive, and flexible learning environment. We focus on academic success, social-emotional success, and post-secondary pathways. We offer flexible schedules or fully remote options for those who need them. We work with the home districts, students, and families to create a learning plan to help each student succeed.
If you were to visit a ROYALS site, you are likely to see students quietly working on online coursework, circling-up to build community, participating in a social/emotional learning group or practicing breathing exercises. You might find students working on resumes or job or FAFSA applications. Others may be completing an OSHA certificate, or engaging with a guest speaker who is explaining their career pathway. Other students may be out of the building volunteering at The Good Food Collaborative, or the Fulton County Humane Society. Students may be at a community gym like Focus Fitness or the YMCA. And some could be on a field trip to WIU or Spoon River College.
Consistently, we hear back from students and learn of their successes. One recent success is that of a Canton ROYALS student. He met the requirements to return to his home district. Upon return he has found success, last September he was named “Student of the Month.” Another success is that of a Macomb ROYALS student. She currently works as an advocate at WIRC. Part of her role is community education. In this role she is currently working on some trainings with ROYALS, educating both students and staff. The list is long of those who are now working, attending school, raising a family, and finding their way in our communities. The success of our students IS the success of our community.
You may ask, “How can I help?”
Please… Spread the word about ROYALS and help us shine our light. Come in and talk to us. Tell us your career pathway! Most importantly, advocate for continued support of alternative education in our communities and with our legislators.
To solidify that EDUCATION IS FREEDOM, I’d like to end with a quote that was recently shared by a ROYALS’ student when asked, “What does your Alternative Education School mean to you?” He stated: “It means a chance for those who are different to have a fair shot at life. To give a chance to the misunderstood. To bring a light for those who will move forward, just in a different way.”
And that, my community, says it all.
Lori Bilbrey is Program Administrator for ROYALS.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of TSPR or its license holder, Western Illinois University.
Diverse opinions are welcomed and encouraged.