When looking for advice on how to shape federal legislation, a national committee of policymakers is turning to an expert in the Forest Lake Area School District.

Gayle McGrane, principal of the Forest Lake Area Learning Center and Central Montessori Elementary, has been invited to share her expertise on alternative learning with the national Drop Out Recovery Group.

The group, sponsored by the American Youth Policy Forum, is considering issues concerning the federal No Child Left Behind Act and its impact on educating at-risk students. NCLB was designed to improve student achievement and hold schools accountable for their students' performance.

The group has been commissioned by the federal government to write a position paper on NCLB as it pertains to alternative education policy, funding and assessment.

McGrane has been invited to join the discussion as a practitioner who is able to provide an insider's view on alternative learning. She will attend the Jan. 24 meeting in Washington, D.C.

"It's exciting to be included in this discussion," McGrane said. "Alternative education is very different than mainstream and NCLB affects us in a much different way. This group is working to determine what needs to be in place for alternative students to not be left behind."

McGrane and the ALC staff have become leaders in alternative education across the state, and have earned national attention as well. The ALC has been recognized as a National Model of School Reform, and ALC staff members have presented at a variety of state and national alternative education conferences.

McGrane has also testified regarding alternative programs to the Minnesota Senate Education Committee.

"We're proud of the work that is being done with at-risk youth in our district, and are honored to have our ALC recognized as a national example," said Lynn Steenblock, superintendent.

"Our district has a strong tradition of excellence at all levels, and this just shows what a dedicated, knowledgeable and professional staff we have working with our students."

Top of Page