GOAL Students Embrace Life’s Training Ground

High school assessments often get a bad rap, but for GOAL students, they’re anything but negative. Maybe it’s the fact that much of their work is accomplished at home or in welcoming and comfortable student centers, so “academic or school fatigue” is not a factor. Think of each test as a mini adventure, a chance to showcase skills. Just like in a video game, every level (or test) you conquer brings you closer to mastering the game of life. Also, guess what? GOAL students are “acing” it, with one of the top eSports programs in America!
It’s not just about numbers. GOAL’s test scores are crucial for the School Performance Framework at the Colorado Department of Education and the Annual Performance Review with District 49. No one wants their school on probation, or worse, on the chopping block. After all, this is their school of CHOICE On a personal level, assessments determine if students qualify for GOAL’s Senior Recovery Program and Concurrent Enrollment Program, offering a second chance for those who’ve faced life’s challenges.

The Senior Recovery Plan of Study helps to address when “life” gets in the way of education. Perhaps a student has a child of his/her own, lost a family member, and needs to work full time to help make ends meet. The program is competency-based and takes into account that many academic skills have been learned through “the school of hard knocks.” Tests provide the opportunity to prove it. Considering ALL factors in a student’s life and assessing their level of knowledge allows many students each year to graduate on time.

Concurrent Enrollment is a program designed for students to earn free college credit. There is no cost, which aligns perfectly with America’s promise to provide every student a FREE public education.

The Senior Recovery Plan of Study helps to address when “life” has stood in the way of education. This could come in the form of a student with: a child of his/her own, loss of a family member, anxiety and/or depression, or disillusionment for many other reason. GOAL students are assessed for their level of knowledge and placed in a competency-based program helping many each year to graduate on time!
Life is a series of tests, from job interviews, parenting and new experiences. High school exams are practice runs, teaching time management, handling pressure and critical thinking — skills needed in every career. So, instead of dreading exams, embrace them with a smile and a sense of adventure. Every test is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself!

Photo by Allyson Joha, GOAL High School intern
GOAL High School students have the opportunity to visit 38 drop-in centers statewide where they can get one-on-one instruction (and testing) with Academic Coaches, Social Emotional Specialists, Counselors and teachers who help remove the obstacles that impede student success.