What is CHSVT?

For a brief description of our school and its mission, please see our brochure (PDF, 80KB).

What is CHSVT?

The Community High School of Vermont (CHSVT) is a fully accredited academic and technical high school through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C) and is approved as an independent school by the Vermont State Board of Education. CHSVT is also recognized as an International Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence by the Institute for Habits of Mind. The school’s mission is to provide an accredited, coordinated, and personalized education that assists students in their academic, social and vocational successes.  Students are expected to meet rigorous common core standards and meet competency in the CHSVT Learning Standards.  They must also meet industry and/or career technical standards in vocational/trades/technical education and social benchmarks via the “16 Habits of Mind” (Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick, Habits of Mind: A Developmental Series. 2000). 

 CHSVT operates within the functions of the Vermont Department of Corrections and the regulatory responsibilities of the Vermont Agency of Education.  Students are under the custody of the Commissioner of the VTDOC; therefore, the design, operation, and continuous improvement of this school are tailored to the context of corrections and provides programs that balance public safety and security with the educational needs of its students.  The guiding belief of Corrections Education and CHSVT is that all academic and vocational educational services shall adhere to high standards of purpose, empowerment, self-directed decision-making, excellence, recognition, integrity, and diversity.  Our educational programs and services, therefore, offer a choice of learning activities and opportunities to a diverse adult student population.  Upon completion of all requirements, students earn a high school diploma and, in many cases, industry-recognized credentials.

What does CHSVT offer?

The guiding belief of CHSVT is that all academic and vocational educational services shall adhere to high standards of purpose, empowerment, self-directed decision-making, excellence, recognition, reward, integrity, and diversity.

Our educational programs and services offer a choice of learning activities and opportunities to a widely diverse adult student population. Students are offered a myriad of opportunities to expand their learning, knowledge, and application of skills in academic coursework and applied learning settings.

Career & Technical Education is offered in the career pathways of automotive technology, welding & fabrication, construction trades, horticulture, culinary & hospitality, printing, graphic arts, and technology.

All coursework and programs are available to students earning a high school diploma and to those with a diploma seeking to improve skills and employment opportunities.

Whether working toward a high school diploma or seeking to improve skills, CHSVT is a place that offers students the opportunity to:

• Obtain reading, writing, and math skills necessary for the 21st Century;
• Acquire life and vocational skills;
• Experience structured and disciplined study as the norm;
• Have genuine opportunity to complete high school;
• Master the essential skills necessary to be a productive citizen, including daily habits of attendance, learning, and responsibility;
• Integrate community-based educational services, job opportunities, and job training to support the transition of individuals back to Vermont communities.

Who can enroll in CHSVT?

The Community High School of Vermont primarily serves students who:

• Have not obtained a high school diploma and are under the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC);
• Have a high need in the area of employment, as identified by DOC classification procedures.
• Additional Factors: Under Vermont state law, all individuals under the age of 23, under the custody of the DOC, and without high school diplomas, have a mandatory education requirement. These students are enrolled upon admission.

It is the policy of CHSVT to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities to meet their unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living in accordance with all state and federal laws and regulations including IDEA, ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Pursuant to VT Agency of Education Special Education Regulations, LRE, and certain IEP requirements may be adjusted due to the nature of the student’s placement. Reasonable accommodations, modifications, and services will be provided to entitled individuals to enable them to access or benefit from the educational program. All notice and due process requirements of the above-mentioned laws are provided.

If you have any questions please email CHSVT Administrator and Section 504 / ADA Coordinator, Dana Lesperance or call 802-917-2005.

How are students assessed?

Initial Screening & Student Self-Assessment (MAGIC)

New students are screened for basic skills achievement by way of administration of norm-referenced tests, including Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS). An interview is conducted with each student to complete specific assessments, identify various pieces of background information, as well as determine educational and career interests and goals. Vocational interest inventories may be administered to begin the process of identifying possible choices for career training.

Review of Prior School Educational Records

School records are obtained from the last high school of record and reviewed for prior school performance and levels of achievement. Prior school transcripts are analyzed to determine what learning standards may have already been addressed through coursework and/or experience.

Coursework Selection

Coursework for individual students is selected based on information received in the assessment process and accompanying educational record review. This information will form each student’s Living, Learning, and Working plan that will help guide each student through their educational journey.

Progressive Assessment of Student Progress

A number of formal and informal assessments will determine the levels to which students are achieving specific standards and learning outcomes in their coursework. These include tests, work samples, and hands-on activities.

Monitoring Learning Standards Competency

Attendance and educational performance records are maintained on all students attending CHSVT. Learning standard competency is recorded in the student transcript database and documented on student Living, Learning, and Working Plans. For students with disabilities, progress is also documented for goals and objectives on the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

How do students earn a diploma?

CHSVT provides students with a broad variety of instructional materials, learning experiences, and multiple pathways to support student learning and progress in the CHSVT Curriculum Framework and Learning Standards.

CHSVT creates relevant and rigorous learning opportunities to engage students’ utilizing the school’s learning standards, work opportunities and multiple pathways to completion.

CHSVT Program Components

1. MAGIC: Making Appropriate Goals and Introducing CHSVT
2. Living, Learning, Working Plan: Personalized Learning Plan
3. Portfolio: Required for program completion
4. Summary of Performance: Students who are eligible for special education will receive a Summary of Performance (SOP) when they exit special education.

CHSVT Learning Standards

Students will show competence in a variety of pathways for each area:

1. Literacy
2. Math Content & Practice
3. Scientific Inquiry & Content
4. Global Citizenship
5. Physical Education
6. Health Education
7. Artistic Expression
8. Cross-Curricular Skills
   1. Use of Technology
   2. Problem Solving
   3. Inquiry
   4. Innovation
   5. Creativity
   6. Collaboration
   7. VII.  Communication

Corrections Education commitment to non-discrimination

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with CHSVT are hereby notified that this school does not discriminate in the operation of any of its programs, services, or facilities on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, positive HIV/Hepatitis-related blood test results, genetic information, gender identity or expression, criminal offense or status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran (collectively “protected veterans”), as these terms are defined under applicable law, or any other factor or characteristic protected by law.
    
Corrections Education Headmaster and Assistant Head of School will coordinate the school's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other non-discrimination laws or regulations. CHSVT has a grievance procedure for discrimination complaints that can be found in the Corrections Education Protocols and the Student Handbook.

For further information, contact one or both of the Corrections Educations section 504/ADA/Title VI/IX Coordinators:

Dana Lesperance, Head of School
NOB 2 South, 280 State Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-2000
(802) 917-2005

Mary Poulos, Director of Student Special Services
NOB 2 South, 280 State Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-2000
(802) 917-1413

Accreditation

Community High School of Vermont is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges as an Independent High School which awards credits and high school diplomas.