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Bemidji Area Schools students who are struggling with math and reading have the opportunity to take part in a program that offers not only academic assistance in these core areas, but also help with social and emotional development.

The Bemidji After-School Learning Community (BASLC) grew out of the 21st Century Learning Community program that ran for five years through Bemidji Area Schools Community Education. The federal 21st Century program was not renewed, but Bemidji Area Schools was fortunate to receive a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. As a result the after-school program continued.

"We were very proud and honored to be selected for a Minnesota after-school grant," said BASLC grant manager John D. Buckanaga. "There were 241 applications to the state for after-school programming and only 21 were selected. We were allotted the maximum amount of dollars allowed for the program -- $150,000 a year for two years."

The BASLC program is based on academic enrichment, assisting Bemidji Area Schools students in improving their reading and math test scores. During the school year the program runs twice a week from dismissal of the regular school day until 5:15 p.m. Transportation is provided at the conclusion of each session.

BASLC operates in six elementary schools and Bemidji Middle School. It is open to students in grades 2-8 through referral by their classrooms teachers. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test scores are used to determine if the students should become involved in the program

"At this time we have about 265 students involved," Buckanaga said.

Licensed staff and paraprofessionals are utilized as instructors at each site, providing a safe and welcoming environment. A typical day would include students checking in, attendance being taken and then a snack provided. Following the snack, a one-half hour recreational time is held, giving students the opportunity to utilize the computer room, gym or library. Then it’s on to academic enrichment, where 45 minutes each are spent on building math and reading skills.

"The academic enrichment time between subjects varies," Buckanaga said. "If the teacher wants to focus on one particular area, they do it. We give a lot of freedom to the teachers. We tell them to teach the way they like to teach, instead of the way they are told to teach. We encourage them to think outside the box and be creative."

For example, computer games are utilized that provide "real life" learning situations. Educational games that are less structured than traditional learning are also used.

A great effort is also made to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for the students and to increase the opportunity for more 1 on 1 time between students and instructors. "Ideally, we want to have a 10 to 1 staff to student ratio," Buckanaga said. "That allows for much more individualized attention, which we believe is very important. The BASLC program gives the students a greater opportunity to get to know their teachers in a non-traditional school setting."

Success of the program is measured in several ways. Included are parental surveys that are given both before the program starts and when it is completed, asking for feedback. In addition students MAP scores are compared pre- and post-program, looking for improvements in the core subject areas.

Another important facet of the program is offering enrichment programming. "We have a very positive on-going relationship with thee community partners -- Headwater’s Science Center, 4-H and Girl Scouts," Buckanaga said. "They provide enrichment programming in areas like science instruction, leadership training and drug/alcohol awareness. We also have a number of activities/events in which the students may take part—like Minnesota Twins games, Bemidji State athletic events, trips to the Water Park and events/activities through the Bemidji State Outdoor Programming Center. We use these as incentives for attending and participating regularly in BASLC."

"In addition, many of the students we work with don’t have the opportunity to participate in these types of events or activities, either due to financial hardship or the home environment. A lot of our students are free and reduced lunch eligible."

A summer program will also be held, running from June 9 through July 17, Monday through Thursday. More details on the summer program will be available in late spring.

For further information about BASLC, contact John D. Buckanaga at 333-3100 ext. 310.