Republic Learning Center set to launch at OTC

Republic High School students who struggle in a traditional teaching environment will have a new avenue of instruction starting next school year. The Republic R-III School District recently announced the creation of the new Republic Learning Center (RLC), an alternative educational setting designed to help students whose learning needs are different from what can be met in a regular classroom.
“This intervention program is designed to serve sophomores and juniors that would benefit from a non-traditional high school setting with alternative methods of learning to meet individual student needs,” the district stated in a press release announcing the RLC’s creation.

RLC would create a learning environment more conducive to student needs
John Thompson, Republic High School principal, said the RLC would create a learning environment where students would get more individualized attention from their teachers.
“Republic Learning Center will provide a smaller student-to-teacher ratio to increase supports students may need in order to be successful in high school,” he said. “In addition, students who can find success at RLC may struggle with the large classroom and school environment due to external barriers.”
Instruction at the RLC, Thompson added, would combine traditional teaching with learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
“Two teachers will teach courses based on each student's credit needs,” he said. “These teachers will teach seated sections of the same courses that are taught at the high school. There will be an online curriculum provider to supplement as needed. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer in the community, as well as earn work credit for holding a job.”

OTC a partner in RLC’s creation
The RLC will be located at the Republic Ozark Technical Community College campus; Thompson said the district has a rental agreement with OTC for the space where the RLC will be held.
“OTC has been wonderful to partner with as we considered available space to begin the RLC,” he said.

Republic School District working to identify students for RLC
According to the district’s press release, the RLC will start off with 20 students in the 2022-23 school year; Thompson said the district hopes to eventually have 40 to 50 students in the program. Currently, the district is working to see which students would benefit from the program.
“Republic High School teachers, counselors, and administration are working to identify students who would benefit from the RLC,” he said. “Once students are identified, students and parents will meet with the student's counselor to discuss the RLC option to ensure it is the right fit. Some indicators used to narrow down the students include attendance rate, credits earned, social and emotional wellness, and post-graduation goals.”
Thompson also said the district believes the RLC would help ensure that the district would help prepare all of its students for life after high school.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunities the RLC will provide for Republic students as it is another resource to ensure we are preparing all students for a successful future,” he said.