Richard Yoakley Alternative School, Knox County
The Richard Yoakley Alternative School
(RYS), in partnership with students,
families, and base schools, works to
provide a behavioral, educational
foundation that allows students the
opportunity to succeed in school and in
life. The school serves students in
grades 6–12 and seeks to provide a
rigorous academic learning environment
with a focus on daily social and
emotional learning. With 25 certified and
25 classified staff, every student at RYS
receives the structure and support necessary to ensure the appropriate
academic and behavioral intervention is implemented to ensure success.
RYS staff includes an instructional coach, transition coordinator,
restorative interventionist, school psychologist, social worker, and
school counselor. The instructional coach leads weekly professional
learning communities (PLCs) and provides academic support and
coaching. The transition coordinator monitors student progress and
tracks student behavior/interventions at their base school when they
return. The restorative interventionist conducts daily/weekly
restorative circles with students/staff to promote social development
and build supportive relationships. The social worker tracks student
attendance and conducts home visits to meet the needs of students and
families. And, the school psychologist and school counselor play
pivotal roles in addressing the social and emotional needs of students
that allows the school to teach the whole child.
Students receive standards-based instruction on core curriculum as
well as career and technical education (CTE) offerings, and daily
social skills lessons. RYS follows a schoolwide behavior management
system that allows them opportunities to grow and reflect. Teachers
work an extended contract to allow for professional development and
have common planning time for collaboration and weekly PLCs.
Additionally, RYS is one of nine Knox County Schools to pilot the
TIGER evaluation model for the 2017-18 school year.
Fall 2017, RYS established the first community PTSA in an alternative
program in the state of Tennessee. RYS is a proud member of the North
Knoxville Business and Professionals Association which has enabled
them to create strong partnerships with the community. Examples of
community partners include the Metro Drug Coalition and the YWCA.
Richard Yoakley is led by principal, Seth Smith,
Seth.Smith@knoxschoools.org.

 G.W. Carver College & Career
Academy, Shelby County
G. W. Carver College & Career Academy
(GWCCCA) - Great Staff! Great Students!
Great Expectations! At G.W. Carver, the
administrators, faculty, and staff have
shifted the mind set of what a
traditional alternative school should
look like and transformed it with a
college and career focus. Scholars at
the academy are required to take an exclusively designed academic
counseling course created by the teachers at GWCCCA. In this course
students receive exposure to colleges, the military, community
service, and various careers. Students participate in a college fair,
visit colleges, and meet with recruiters from such colleges as
Christian Brothers University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Tennessee State
University, and the University of Memphis. Students who desire a nontraditional education have a special session with a recruiter from The
College of Art to explore other career options.
Instructors at the academy realize that college may not be for
everyone; however, being successful in life is. Students learn about
technical certification programs through job fairs hosted by the WIN
program and attend the Entrepreneur Series 101/Careers in Action
seminar where they meet with entrepreneurs such as Nikki Chanel,
celebrity make-up artist and owner of The Facegirl, an entrepreneur
mentoring program, as well as Desmond Robinson of D. Arthur Catering
service, and former chef for NBA player Thaddeus Young.
Students that aspire to be in the military take the armed services
vocational aptitude battery (ASVAB) test and meet with Army and U.S.
Navy recruiters to discuss requirements for joining. The academic
counseling class also teaches students the importance of networking
through community service. Scholars participate in community service
at facilities like the St. Jude Garden Project, acted as greeters for
the Wiley College concert, and assisted at the Food Bank.
In addition to the academic counseling class program, other programs
like DECA, Work Based Learning, Carver Ambassadors, and Project Stand
all share the school’s goal of exposing all GWCCCA students to college
and career opportunities. In particular, the Carver Ambassadors
program has helped students receive employment at local businesses and
allowed students to participate in service learning projects at local
community gardens, and the Civil Rights Museum. The Ambassadors also
have motivational speakers from the Memphis community such as judges,
law enforcement, and the entertainment industry. Project STAND has

 aided students in earning National Career Readiness Certifications,
obtaining career readiness skills, and Technical Employment
Certifications. Through Project Stand students visit technical
education schools such as Lincoln Tech, Rankin Tech, Nissan Tech, and
TCAT.
These programs, along with the academic counseling course, serves as
the successful core of GWCCCA’s academic, college, and career focus
for all students.
The principal for G.W. Carver College & Career Academy is Dr. James
Suggs, suggsj@scsk12.org.

Jefferson Academy, Jefferson County
In June 2009, Jefferson County
embarked on the task of creating a
new alternative school. The first
year of operation the alternative
school was given the name A.C.E. and
served only students remanded from
Jefferson County’s middle school.
Beginning in 2010, the school’s name
was changed to Jefferson Academy and
moved to its current permanent
location. The Academy serves
students in grades 6–12 and,
occasionally, elementary school students.
Jefferson Academy provides students temporary placements for behavior
management with a focus on academic success. The academy provides a
safe and structured learning environment that cultivates self-respect
and self-discipline. The goal is for the student to successfully
complete the program and return to, and be successful, in their home
school.
Jefferson Academy is a smaller program and accommodates up to 60
students at a time. On average, 160 students attend during the course
of a year. Although a smaller school, their student population is
reflective of student populations in larger, more diverse schools. A
recent survey revealed that 29% of students had three or more Adverse
Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Ninety percent of students are on free
or reduced lunch and only 7.7% of students live with their biological
parents.
Students are placed at Jefferson Academy for transition, behavior, and
zero tolerance. The process for student placement at Jefferson Academy
is structured, beginning with a pre-intake prior to placement. Once

 placed, a transition and exit plan are developed to help the student
understand expectations and set goals.
A typical day at Jefferson Academy has students rotating to receive
instruction in four core subjects aligned with state standards and
modified to meet their individual needs. Classrooms are blended
learning environments that include direct instruction, computer-based
curriculum, and hands on activities for all learning styles. Data
collection is an integral component of the academy. Program data, to
include academics, behavior, and attendance, is collected for
continuous program improvement. Professional growth is a priority for
staff with participation in various professional development
opportunities to include the Tennessee Alternative Education
Association conference.
To foster individual growth and community involvement, students
participate in quarterly service learning projects that range from
reading to younger students to packing food boxes for those in need.
College and career planning is offered through career exploration,
guest speakers, hands on experiences, college and career week, and job
shadowing. In addition, Jefferson Academy offers students behavioral
health services from a licensed school-based mental health therapist
one day a week.
Jefferson Academy is privileged to be supported by a strong advisory
board comprised of representatives from Carson Newman University,
parents, community leaders, and students. The academy has gained the
respect of parents, colleagues, and the community, as well as
recognition from Tennessee Behavior Supports Project from the
2
University of Tennessee as an RTI -B Model Demonstration School.
In their brief time as a school, Jefferson Academy has embraced the
challenges set before them with the goal to meet students where they
are and to support them to be successful.
The principal for Jefferson Academy is Garry Jett, gjett@jcboe.net.