Carroll County looks to implement extended year school program

HILLSVILLE (WSLS 10) - Carroll County is looking to develop an extended year program for at-risk students in 10 of its schools.

This would include more time with experienced teachers, but with a smaller class size. School leaders want it to be a hands-on experience and an opportunity for teachers to identify and address individual needs.

Sixty percent of Carroll County students are economically disadvantaged and 16 percent are in special education. These are considered at-risk categories.

Carroll County is one of 11 districts across Virginia to receive money from Governor McAuliffe for extended or year-round programs. Radford, Galax and Roanoke already have similar programs in place.

"What we're hoping to be able to do is get our at-risk students with our experienced teachers in a much smaller environment, in other words, like 6:1 ratio," said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Strader Blankenship.

The program was implemented during the most recent summer school and school leaders said it was one of the most successful sessions.

The goal is to have the extended year program implemented in Carroll County in the next few years.