West40 Intermediate Service Center #2 has announced the expansion of its student advocacy programs to include students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade, paving the way for thousands of additional young learners to receive support to help improve their educational and behavioral trajectory. While Illinois law currently limits such programs to students in 4th through 12th Grade, West40 obtained a special waiver to pilot this groundbreaking approach and supplement its existing Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP).
West40 student advocates play a pivotal role by working closely with children, families and schools to address attendance issues, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional needs.
Currently, approximately 3,000 students in grades 4-12+ receive West40 ALOP support in nearly 40 schools across West Cook County. West40’s Kindergarten through 3rd Grade ALOP pilot program is now offered in five schools.
“This is exciting work, and we are looking forward to setting the stage for possible implementation across the state. We know that there are a lot of young students who need the kind of support we provide,” said Dr. Mark Klaisner, Executive Director of West40.
West40 considers its ALOP program to be “successful” for a student if it sees growth with respect to the reason why a student was referred to the program. Additionally, several regional offices of education across Illinois base their student advocacy programs on the West40 model.