Market Square Education has positioned itself to be a resource for families, students, and schools to match the educational program that best meets the needs of at-risk students. Open Doors is one of those resources. It is state-funded program and focused on finding practical solutions for students, who for whatever reason, find themselves in a credit deficit. This deficit may be due to a prolonged illness, delayed diagnosis of learning differences, or travel schedules that prohibited regular school attendance. This program is also geared to support homeless students and those who may need social services. Washington state recognizes that students can often complete the requirements for either a GED (general education diploma) or a standard diploma with a little flexibility and support.
Bob Hagin, veteran teacher and MSE founder along with John Glenewinkel, a lifetime educator who has worked in the public-school sector for more than three decades, currently works part-time as the superintendent for the Curlew school district in order to partner with Market Square Education and the Open Doors program. John has dedicated his career to finding solutions for students and continues this tenacious approach to help ensure that today’s students have the opportunity to succeed.
Students must be enrolled with a public-school district to receive the services funded by the state through the Open Doors program. Students who wish to participate are enrolled in the Curlew school district with John’s guidance and the educational requirements are fulfilled by Market Square Education through online learning and regular check-ins. This unique approach marries the best parts of state-sponsored programs with educators and MSE’s dedication to increasing the states’ graduation rate but more importantly, giving each student the opportunity to be educationally successful.
The key to a student’s success is having at least one person care about them. The partnership between Bob and John through their alliance with Open Doors is providing individualized attention to support students’ success. MSE provides a place where each students’ needs are evaluated and addressed with the resources best suited to meet their learning requirements to graduate.
In addition to the personalized experience student’s receive as enrollees of the Market Square Open Doors, other significant aspects include wrap around services that provide unique, whole-person learning opportunities. The support can be provided in after school support, modified schedules, differentiated learning, pull-outs, and more, all with an eye towards finding the path that suits the learning needs of the individual student. Life experiences can blend with the other programmatic components to add to academic credits that go towards a diploma.
Students, families, schools, communities at large win when a young person feels they can succeed educationally. Open Doors is for 16-21 year-olds with significant credit deficits interested in earning their GED or diploma. Students may also pursue a journeyman’s certificate while enrolled in Open Doors. If you are a student, a parent, or a school counselor looking for a solution that is a little outside the box, contact Market Square Education.