Alternative Education
Center for Effective Learning
Grades 6-8

What is the Center for Effective Learning?
The Center for Effective Learning (CEL) is an alternative center for middle school students (grades 6-8) experiencing minimal academic success and exhibiting behavior difficulties in the regular school program. Often these students are at high risk of dropping out of the regular middle school educational setting. CEL focuses on academic instruction and behavior intervention. CEL's student population is drawn from all VBCPS middle schools.

Who can attend the Center for Effective Learning?
Students are recommended for placement by school administrators, parents, or the Office of Student Leadership for a minimum of eighteen (18) weeks, with program exit occurring only at the end of a semester. During this time the staff at the Center for Effective Learning provides academic as well as behavioral instruction to students. Students may exit from CEL only when they meet the criteria of acceptable behavior (Behavioral Level III), maintain passing grades in academic programs, demonstrate regular attendance, and receive positive teacher recommendations.

What courses and services are offered at the Center for Effective Learning?
Classes are provided in all four core areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and English. Elective classes are offered such as health and physical education, teen living, technology education, art, and Spanish. The academic program follows VBCPS curriculum and focuses on Standards of Learning (SOL) through small group instruction and differentiated instruction. Special education students are accepted based on their current Individual Education Plan indicating CEL as an appropriate setting.

What special opportunities are available at the Center for Effective Learning?
Students who enter the Center for Effective Learning have an individual alternative education plan developed for them. This plan is jointly monitored by the students, the students' parents, and the students' CEL teacher-advisor. This daily behavioral plan motivates students to identify and to modify unproductive behaviors. Students needing support in developing their reading ability have the opportunity to take Independent Reading for Middle School Students. Students may also be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities at the home school if they wish and if permission is granted by both the CEL principal and the home school principal.

Is transportation provided to the Center for Effective Learning?
Yes. Students ride their appropriate bus to the neighborhood high school. Students then transfer to the CEL / Virginia Beach Central Academy (VBCA) bus which transports them to CEL. Students are transported directly home by the school bus serving their area. Students are not permitted to drive to CEL.

Whom can I contact for additional information about CEL?
Principal: John T. Parkman
E-mail: johnt.parkman@vbschools.com
233 N. Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462
Telephone: 757.473.5038
Fax: 757.473.-5264 Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Monday - Friday