Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, May 03, 2010

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Teens study the meaning of West African symbols as they experiment with adinkra art. Project-based learning involves a lot of hands-on activities.

White Tiger Wednesdays are the high point of the week at The Learning Center at Linlee, where students who did not succeed in traditional classroom settings find a new home, individual attention and engaging activities.

On any given Wednesday, small groups might visit the Kentucky Horse Park to learn about animal care or tour the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. In other rotations, students may work on displays for their Harlem Renaissance-themed museum, paint interlocking sections of a mural or plant flowers in front of the building.

“It’s a day where kids can make the connections and be grounded in the foundations they get from the classrooms. We take their motivation and make the most of it,” said Ron Chi, principal of the alternative school for middle and high school students.

In this first year, 50 students are enrolled in The Learning Center. The number is expected to double next year. Featuring hands-on activities, guest speakers and field trips, White Tiger Wednesdays fit well with the center’s project-based methods.

“It’s really where their curiosities come into play,” Chi said.

Senior Jasmine Sanders said the principal and staff are open to students’ suggestions. “If we have an interest in something and tell Mr. Chi, he’s able to make it happen,” she said.

A mentoring partnership with Arlington Elementary is one activity that provides real-world experience for students who might have struggled with academics or motivation.

“They definitely see a big picture and see a relevance,” said Chi, who noted that many of the Wednesday opportunities are designed to showcase career possibilities.

Senior LaTessa Johnson said she likes interacting with the fifth-graders. “We’re trying to get the feel of teaching,” she said.

She also looks forward to White Tiger Wednesdays as a chance to explore outside the classroom. “We still learn, but more about life,” LaTessa said.

The initiative – named after the school’s mascot – was the brainchild of language arts teacher Elise Crisp, with the goal of showing every student that “there’s a place out there where they can be successful and fulfilled.”

For instance, students have also visited the School of Cosmetology at Bluegrass Community & Technical College and taken horseback-riding lessons.

“When they come back into the classroom, they’ve got that trust and rapport with the teachers,” Crisp said. “We really focus on the relationship-building along with alternative instruction.”

Head custodian Bryan Johnson leads a regular rotation called “Point of Reflection,” a free-flowing discussion group that focuses on character education and personal values. One recent Wednesday, his topic was privilege and entitlement.

“I want to know how they feel about it and what it means to them,” said Johnson, who majored in psychology.

The students appreciate the one-on-one attention and overall encouragement at The Learning Center, where as LaTessa explained, “We get a second chance to show our potential.”

“You’ll have the pressure of (teachers) pushing you, but it’s not a burden,” said fellow senior Ashley Caudill. “You’re not going to be forgotten.”

LaTessa agreed, noting the staff does not believe in failure and sees hope in every student.

“This school really cares,” added classmate DaVon Lear. “It’s like we’re their children.”

Parents notice the difference in their own children, too.

Lisa Logan said that her son, who was excited about the criminal justice program during the EKU tour, has made a huge turnaround at The Learning Center. She credits the faculty’s warmth and positive reinforcement.

“They really focus on what this kid needs,” Logan said. “They give you avenues to succeed.”