About
Harvard Community Unit School District 50 (Harvard CUSD 50), partnered with ChanceLight to develop the H.I.V.E. program (Harvard’s Innovative Versatile Education) which is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their challenges. The district’s mission is to produce a community of learners by cultivating academic, social, and emotional skills to maximize each student’s potential.
Harvard offers a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of all learners, including those who are at risk of dropping out of school. One of these programs is the ChanceLight program, which provides:
- A low student-to-staff ratio
- Individualized instruction
- A supportive environment for students who need extra help
The Challenge
Harvard CUSD 50 was looking to reduce outplacements in order to strengthen their school community. By reducing outplacements, the district could improve graduation rates and provide a more positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
The ChanceLight Solution
The ChanceLight program is a partnership between Harvard CUSD 50 and ChanceLight, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to all students and provide hope. The ChanceLight program serves 40 Harvard students at H.I.V.E.—20 middle school and 20 high school—that specializes in a low student-to-staff ratio and focuses on high quality academics, credit recovery, positive behavioral support, and a therapeutic environment. The program is led by a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), and there are four teachers, a therapist, a behavior support professional, and instructional aides.
Partnership and Collaboration
Harvard CUSD 50 and ChanceLight collaborated closely to ensure that the program meets the needs of students at H.I.V.E. ChanceLight staff work closely with the Harvard team of administrators and staff to develop individualized education plans for each student, and they provide regular progress reports to the district.
H.I.V.E. partners with Trinity Lutheran Church as an opportunity for students to complete required community service, as well as positively impacting the greater Harvard community. In addition, Northern Illinois Recovery, a substance abuse support program, hosts a monthly substance abuse group for all high school students. There are also students who receive individual substance abuse counseling through this partnership.
Outcome
Since opening in Fall 2023, the H.I.V.E. program has been a great success for Harvard CUSD 50. The program has helped to reduce outplacements and improve graduation rates.
Learning Environment
Learning at the H.I.V.E. Program is motivating and reinforcing. Students practice to mastery and progress is measured daily, weekly, and monthly. Our learning model allows teachers to include technology into their work with individual students and small groups. As a result, students and teachers develop richer, deeper, positive interactions and students develop self- confidence.
Program Benefits and Impact
The ChanceLight program has had a positive impact on the district. Students in the H.I.V.E. program feel more connected to the school community and are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities. They are also less likely to be involved in disciplinary incidents. The H.I.V.E. Program offers several benefits for families, including:
- Expanding the scope of academic, behavioral, social, and emotional support services
- Reducing the distance students travel for services
- Improving students’ ability to become more effective managers of their own behavior in school, at home and in the community
- Support for families regarding behavior strategies, social skills, and connections to community resources
In the first semester of 2024:
I am grateful for our partnership with ChanceLight, as their collaboration has brought a first-class, outsourced educational option that keeps our students close to home while addressing their unique needs. Together, we have created a meaningful method of instruction that strengthens our students and the community.
– Dr. Corey Tafoya, Superintendent
