Patrick Dixon believes the most significant element in guiding student achievement in continuation/educational options programs is just that: options. He believes all students can achieve, regardless of their pasts.
As principal of educational options programs for Bellflower USD, Dixon leads the charge to improve student learning. Somerset High School, where Dixon began his education career as a teacher in 1990, has been named a state Model Continuation High School three times. And, among other awards, his unique block scheduling cycle won an Exemplary Program Award from the California Continuation Education Association.
Now he is ACSA’s 2008 Continu-ation/Educational Options Adminis-trator of the Year, and he relishes the attention it draws to the field.
“This designation signifies the importance of continuation/educational options programs and validates the efforts of everyone who works in this area of education,” Dixon said. “It takes a special person to work in continuation/educational options programs, and those who work in the 525 continuation schools and numerous educational options programs throughout the state should be commended for their hard work and commitment to the students we serve.”
Dixon manages the organization and operations of all alternative education in Bellflower, including SHS, the re-entry program, community day school, adult education, independent study and district opportunity classes. He oversees a three-person administrative staff, nearly 100 certificated teachers and a support staff of 40.
He exercises a team approach, with an open sharing of ideas and opinions. Camaraderie and laughter are ever-present, even as Dixon never backs down on student achievement.
Students in Bellflower alternative programs are given a fresh start. They receive a standards-based education through direct instruction, and they are treated with concern as individuals.
“We could almost equate our students with snowflakes, which in mass look the same, but in actuality no two are alike,” Dixon said. “As I’ve said, the most significant element is options: the option for a student to choose a morning, afternoon or all-day schedule, the option to enroll concurrently in adult school, the option of independent study, the option of a GED, or the option of work experience, to mention a few.
“Coupled with the options available for students are the teachers and support staff who help ensure that the students are successful and achieve in their chosen option.”
Dixon said continuation/educational options programs are essentially the safety nets for students who, for whatever reason, are unable to be successful in a traditional school environment.
“Many times students just give up and stop attending school because they truly feel it is pointless to continue due to being so far behind or credit deficient; they figure what’s the use?” he said. “When they transition into one of our programs, little by little, they start to experience success and accomplishment. They begin to reinvent themselves.
“I believe that our students are great students who really needed only a second chance – well maybe a third or fourth chance – to prove to themselves and others that they are in fact great students.”
In addition to academic pursuits, Bellflower alternative students give back to the community, via such programs as a “Turkey Day” dinner served around Thanksgiving and a spring career fair. An end-of-year awards program allows parents, employees and the community to recognize student achievement.
Dixon is a lifelong Bellflower resident and received a Bellflower USD education. He worked his way through college as a district custodian.
From his first teaching job, he moved up to program specialist for educational options, then to assistant principal and principal. Along the way, he has appreciated the career development opportunities offered by professional associations such as CCEA and ACSA.
“I have been an ACSA member since my first administrative position with the adult school in 1997 and have used many of the resources provided to members,” Dixon said.
He said he looks forward to reading EdCal and appreciates legislative updates. While working on his Tier 2 credential, he wrote position papers using articles from Leadership magazine. He attends ACSA conferences and recently completed the ACSA Personnel Academy, which has helped him not only with his own staff, but provided insight into the bigger issues districts face in their human resources departments.
Dixon said he is truly honored to receive the Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year Award, especially considering the wealth of other leaders in the field.
“I do this job because I love it and love helping others,” he said. “But I must say, it is wonderful to be recognized by my peers and supported in so many ways by my staff.”
Each of ACSA’s 19 Administrators of the Year will be featured in EdCal through Nov. 3. They will be formally honored during ACSA’s 2008 Leadership Summit, to be held Nov. 6-8 in San Diego.
For more information or to register, visit ACSA Online or contact the Educational Services Department at (800) 608-ACSA or (650) 692-4300.