The Widening Advancement for Youth-Washtenaw Pilot Project is a year-round voluntary educational program for 16-19 year old youth who:

• Have dropped out of high school.
• Are falling behind in the traditional high school.
• Have health problems or behavioral challenges that affect school attendance.

The learning experiences are individualized to meet each student's needs. The program offers project-based on-line learning experiences. Students must access a technology center at Stone School in Ann Arbor a minimum of twice a week, and have additional face-to-face meetings with project managers and mentors, to ensure students remain engaged in the project-based learning.

At the W-A-Y-Washtenaw students are responsible for their education and collaborate and negotiate meaning with peers and experts to broaden their understanding, to construct individual knowledge, and solve real-life problems. Students determine their pace and how they will accomplish their learning activities.

At the W-A-Y-Washtenaw mentors and experts serve as facilitators of student learning rather than a dispenser of information. With their mentor, students develop standard-focused learning plans and projects. Experts evaluate the student's progress and work each week based on the Michigan High School Expectations.

Students have access to a computer workstation and internet connectivity at their home, provided by the W-A-Y-Washtenaw. The school is modeled after a program in the United Kingdom, the Not School program which has successfully operated for more than nine years. For more details, contact Washtenaw Intermediate School District.

For more information, contact:
Monique Uzelac
W-A-Y Washtenaw
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
(734) 719-0321
muzelac@wash.k12.mi.us or
wayinfo@wash.k12.mi.us

For additional information visit us at: http://waywashtenaw.org/.