About Center for Effective Learning

The Center for Effective Learning subscribes to the philosophy and objectives of the Virginia Beach City Public centers.

The Center for Effective Learning provides a framework for individualized attention and goal setting. The students development of acceptable behaviors and attitudes is of foremost importance. The staff will make a concerted effort to bring the community, center, parents, and student together to help students realize their potential.

The Center for Effective Learning is a center that meets the needs of students who are experiencing minimal success in the regular school program. The goal of our program is to help students who are"At-Risk" to successfully function in a school setting through academic success and appropriate center social behaviors. CEL focuses on three areas: instruction, intervention, and behaviors. In the area of instruction, a strong emphasis is placed on the acceleration of basic skills proficiencies in order to strengthen academic skills. Intervention concentration is on students' social skills and greater involvement in center life and community projects. Counseling focuses on responsibility, improvement in attendance, student behavior patterns, and career awareness.

Who Attends

The CEL population comes from the school division's middle schools. The identification criteria for students to enroll in CEL include student performance below academic standards/grade level, behavioral and/or attendance problems; in general, the student is not achieving success in a regular school program and as a high-risk, potential dropout. School administrators, teachers, and parents (through the home school) may recommend placement at CEL. In addition, the School Board or superintendent may, when deemed appropriate, place a student at CEL.

Courses and Services

The Center for Effective Learning offers the four core subjects - Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. In addition, five activity classes are offered - Health and Physical Education, Teen Living, Technology Education, Art, and Career Skills. The academics program focuses on basic skills through individualized instruction using a small, structured environment.

Counseling will be emphasized through a close parent-student-advisor relationship. A Student Support Services group is an active intervention providing "group" counseling, student involvement in activities, and parental involvement. Citizenship and social responsibility are emphasized in this area.