McNeel School
Vacca Campus
General Information
The Adele Goodwyn McNeel School is located on the D.Y.S. Vacca Campus in Birmingham, Alabama. First, students enrolled at the McNeel School complete coursework that follows the Alabama State Courses of Study in each subject area. Next, as they finish their assigned work, they earn Carnegie unit credits. Finally, these credits count toward each student’s high school diploma.
The McNeel school day is divided into seven class periods. First, students are assigned to the four core academic subjects: English, mathematics, social studies, and science. They also take physical education and two elective classes. Next, teachers provide individualized instruction to meet each student’s needs. As a result, every student follows a learning plan designed to support their learning style and skill level.
In addition, an individual program is created for each student based on records from their previous schools and their TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) results. Depending on these results, the curriculum may be remedial, developmental, or a combination of both. Finally, each student’s program includes one of three goals: helping the student return to grade level, building basic academic skills, or preparing the student to take the GED test..
Instructional Support and Daily Student Assessment
The McNeel School is staffed with 13 state certified instructors, a principal, a counselor, a media specialist, and a psychometrist (pronounced sy KAH muh trist). Additionally, the school has a fully staffed media center. This center provides materials and resources that students can use for research or check out for school assignments.
Furthermore, each student is evaluated daily on an individual basis by school staff. First, teachers assess students through several methods, such as classroom assignments, teacher observations, discussions, and skill tests. Next, students are expected to show appropriate behavior. This includes staying on task, completing assignments, following classroom rules, and demonstrating positive social behavior.