Camp “Positive” Motivation Juvenile Rehabilitation Academy proposes its education program be operated by the Virgin Islands School Board by joint partnership in cooperation with the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The ten member educational staff consists of six teachers, two paraprofessionals, and two Transition specialist. All teachers will be state certified to teach in their subject field. All teachers will hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree.
Educational services offered are comparable to district mainstream education facilities. Services may include, but are not limited to, high school and middle school curriculums in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Teachers provide further education in vocational training and agriculture. Staff members also provide Exceptional Student Services, English for speakers of Other Languages (E.S.O.L.) and guidance counseling. Supplemental support staff offers services in psychological counseling, drug awareness, health/prevention awareness, speech therapy, and remedial education.
Upon entry in the program, each student is individually assessed for learning abilities using the New Century Education for Mathematics Language Arts Software. Students are further tested using the Comprehensive Aptitude test (CAT) by writing evaluation materials, vocational interest surveys, and multiple intelligence surveys. During the course of the program students may be further evaluated for their potential success with the General Equivalency Diploma pre-test. After reviewing educational records, an individual academic education plan is developed for each student based on the aforementioned tests in conjunction with verbal interviews.
Teaching is provided in a multifaceted style using traditional lecture, small group activities, visual aide, one on one instruction, and computer based learning. Each student has the opportunity to access computer education for individualized learning utilizing two New Century Education labs. Students will use state approved textbooks and educational materials in courses similar to those of the mainstream. Teachers will use National and Territorial Standards to coordinate and facilitate integrated curriculums and program direction.
Students are evaluated on an ongoing basis using weekly reports, monthly treatment meeting, and computer gains. Progress reports are shared with Rehabilitation Academy staff, interested parents, students, the Juvenile probation officer, and the committing judicial authorities.
Educational Gains
Through the cooperative efforts of the educational team, many students will accomplish some outstanding goals. Exit-test results and computer gains will indicate that students have obtained, grade level improvement within nine months in the subjects of math and language arts.
Upon completion of the program, students receive exit Transition counseling with an emphasis post placement re-entry. Re-entry into the district school system is coordinated with the FARM Program Conditional Release Coordinator. Options for placement include returning to regularly zoned schools, adult schools, or technical school. If the student successfully completes the GED options or earns their high school diploma, referral is made for entry into a community college and/or prospective employment opportunity.
Vocational Training
Vocational Training
Camp “Positive” Motivation Juvenile Rehabilitation Academy’s educational department intends to introduce an agriculture vocational program. With the cooperation of Department of Agriculture, community funding, and materials donated from local businesses (Home Depot e.g.), a shed and greenhouse will be constructed. The program will be used to teach students various horticulture and landscaping skills. The plants grown will be donated to community beautification projects in local parks and some historic sites. Projects include adopting the Queen Mary Hwy from the town of Christiansted to Fredriksted performing landscaping to the entire roadways returning its natural beauty to its original Crucian vegetation. These projects will be initiated in partnership and cooperation with the VI Department of Agriculture and Public Works.
Aquaculture Program
Aquaculture Program
In addition, grants received will be utilized to develop and implement a Nile Perch Aquaculture Program. The Goal in this area is dependant on partnership with UVICELL in its own aquaculture program and possible a local area high school. The aquaculture program will provide skills and training for Rehabilitation Academy students, local high school students, and college missionary students. The fish grown in the program will be donated to local area food banks and other charitable organizations.
Program as such will provide math, science, and biology skills while also developing pro-social behaviors that can enhance their vocational opportunities after completion of the Rehabilitation Academy. This program also will serve to repopulate any species of fish whose numbers have been dangerously diminished due to commercial harvesting.
