THE KELLER COMPASS CENTER FINDS NEW WAYS TO UNLOCK STUDENT POTENTIAL

It’s not uncommon for students to fall behind in school at some point during their academic journey. However, falling behind doesn’t mean that success is out of reach. With the proper support and resources, students who are behind in school can still achieve their goals and thrive academically.

Nestled in the heart of Keller ISD, as a relatively small and unassuming building, is the Keller Compass Center, where a small but mighty team of teachers and support staff are giving hope to students who have fallen behind by offering extra support and resources.

When a student has exhausted all the resources available through a traditional campus, administrators, parents, and students can turn to the Keller Compass Center for alternative services to better suit their needs. This unique campus serves students from every campus across all four feeder patterns, and is home to New Direction High School and the District’s Discipline Alternative Education Program (DEAP).

“The campus is under one roof, but essentially functions as two separate campuses,” said Keller Compass Center Principal Lee Parker. “There is an application process for students wishing to attend New Direction High School. While we accept students in all situations, to manage our drop-out recovery campus status, we must maintain that over 50 percent of our students are juniors and seniors.”

“The goal for each student is graduation, but the path to crossing the stage looks different for each of them,” Parker said.

By offering an individualized path to success, students can receive the support and resources they need to overcome their specific challenges and reach their full potential. KCC teachers work hard to personalize instruction, accommodate learning differences, and provide targeted interventions.

“Our entire student population is labeled at-risk,” Ann Accas, KCC fine arts teacher, said. “They have experienced something in their lives, making attending a traditional or comprehensive high school a challenge. They need an alternative setting where everyone on campus is rooting for their success.”

KCC teachers and staff work diligently and with great compassion to break down the barriers that hold a student back from graduating. They know that the possibilities are endless when students feel safe and supported.

“They quickly realize that they are immersed in a welcoming, encouraging, and loving environment,” Accas said. “When a student knows they have a team of teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff meeting them where they are at and who refuse to give up, students know they have found their safe place.”

At KCC, students can complete an entire semester in an accelerated nine-week plan, earning two years’ worth of credits in one year. In addition, teachers are implementing a blended learning plan, which has seen a great amount of success as well.

“If expectations are set high, the students will rise to the occasion,” Parker added. “That is exactly where we start. We set clear attendance, academic, and behavioral goals tailored for each student.”

One significant barrier that stands in the way of these students academically, while also hindering motivation, is the STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams. Students must pass five EOC exams to earn graduation status in the State of Texas. In order to combat this, KCC created a method to help students pass these mandatory exams once and for all, and it’s working! Students receive test-taking strategies with specific time set aside each day to work with staff to address specific knowledge gaps.

“We had some of our fifth-year seniors graduate and 55 percent of students who took the STAAR EOC in December passed,” Parker exclaimed. “Some of these students have taken the same test four and five times, so this is a huge accomplishment!”

No two students have the same academic experience, so success is to be measured differently. Keller ISD teachers are exceptional at seeing each student as an individual and finding new and innovative ways to partner with them.

“Our students typically have been dealt a difficult hand in life or are currently facing hardships,” Accas reflected. “We pride ourselves on supporting their journey at KCC, but they know from the beginning that they will be held accountable. We’re there every step of the way to equip them with the skills they need so they can walk confidently down their own life path.”

The Keller Compass Center is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year.