Tony Clement Center leaders report gains in credit recovery, highlight behavioral support work

Leaders from the Tony Clement Center for Education briefed the Albany City School District board on March 9 about the alternative-program school's work to improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for students who require a nontraditional setting.

Enrollment and student profile: Principal Chris Martell said, as of March 2, the center serves about 30 middle-school students, 53 students in the choice program and 57 high-school students. Staff presented buildingwide screening data showing a greater share of students in externalizing behavior categories compared with internalizing ones and said screening results are used to align students with appropriate program placements.

Instructional and behavioral strategy: Martell described two central strategies: evidence-based instructional methods focused on differentiation and an MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) approach that emphasizes student voice. Staff said they re-taught PBIS expectations using scenario-based classroom work, rolled out point sheets tied to expectations and solicited student feedback to shape changes.

Academic supports and early outcomes: The school increased access to credit recovery by restructuring schedules and using Edunum courseware, yielding a 24% increase in credits earned this year compared with last. A math pilot using Desmos tools increased algebra-passage rates in January to 33%, up from 12% the prior year. Staff said they are exploring curriculum vendors linked to the Desmos approach for broader implementation.

Attendance and discipline: Presenters described chronic absenteeism among students referred to the program and said suspensions remain higher than desired. The center has added daily SEB (social-emotional-behavioral) classes in middle school and is exploring credit-bearing SEB options for high schoolers. Staff also described a more mindful referral process and transitional strategies meant to reduce first-time (unique) suspensions.

Partnerships and next steps: The center highlighted family engagement efforts that combined parent-teacher nights with employment outreach and described a new YMCA partnership ("Y on the fly") providing on-site leadership and skill-building supports. Leaders said continued work will focus on capacity to serve new referrals, expanding credit-bearing SEB options and deepening community partnerships.

What happened next: board members thanked the presenters; no formal action was required. Staff will continue follow-up with the district's instructional supervisors and return with progress updates.