History

STRIVE was for students who were academically far behind their grade level. They were given one-on-one instruction and learning geared towards their mental level. This helped them grow and learn at their pace and gave them confidence in their education. 

OASIS was a program geared toward students that had behavioral or social disabilities. These students caused disruptions and/or mental harm to the other students. OASIS was a program that students would work on their education apart from their peers. It was a classroom that created a predictable and safe learning environment, teaching emotional regulation and coping skills, and built strong partnerships with families and support staff. Slowly students would be introduced back into the general population with the end goal of getting them back in the general population with their peers.

Both of these programs had huge success with students and were revered by staff. Students kept learning and thriving rather than being left behind. 

Currently

5 years ago District 303 cut both of these programs at the elementary school level to cut corners and save money, sending these students instead into the general population and at their age level grade. Classrooms and teachers were ill fitted and given no training to handle these special needs children. As a result, classrooms throughout the district have seen disruptions, violence at school and evacuations. This has escalated to a point that it is now commonplace to the school day. Children are coming home no longer feeling safe at school. A place that should be a happy and welcoming part of their lives is now somewhere they no longer want to go. 

Change

By signing this petition, you feel as I do. That the Board of Education for District 303 should bring back both the STRIVE and OASIS program to our elementary schools. They cannot cut corners and skimp out on our children's education just to save a few dollars. Their job is to help the education of our students, all of our students. Not cut programs that statistically have shown to improve their lives and the lives of all the other students.