Performance Learning Center
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Philosophy
One of Durham's newest small high schools offers students the opportunity for online learning with internships and job shadowing in a unique setting. The Durham Performance Learning Center, now located in Holton Career & Resource Center, features small classes where students work online at their own pace. Some 100-110 students will be selected to enroll.
The PLC is for students who need a different type of education
- the students are self-taught with teachers available for help when needed
- advising happens daily, teachers help with goal setting and planning
- there is a morning motivation weekly activity where students lead inspirational session
- each student is assigned a workspace with a computer during each class
Teaching
Students who are accepted into the Durham PLC must be self-motivated as the coursework is completed online. Students work at their own pace by completing courses via the NC Virtual High School. Projects and group work also are a part of the coursework with plans for each student to take part in an internship, dual college enrollment, job shadowing or another type of partnership.
Ideal PLC Student Students who succeed in PLCs generally:
- Are 16-20 years old
- Want a nontraditional high school setting
- Desire a flexible schedule (later start time, etc.)
- Enjoy online and hands-on learning
- Prefer a business-like environment
Unique Aspects of PLC
- Start times are later and ending times are flexible
- Mentors for students
- Student-to-teacher ratio is small (18:1)
- Students provide own transportation
- Each student is assigned a separate computer work station
- Northgate Mall lower level is the location
Participation
- Tenth, 11th or 12th grade students are eligible. Repeating ninth graders will be considered.
- Applicants must have been enrolled in a DPS high school within the last year and have experienced at least one full year of high school.
- Academically, students must have passed the eighth-grade mathematics and reading end-of-grade tests and both parts of the computer skills competency test.
- Students must read on at least the eighth-grade level.
- Students must be in good behavior standing at their current school and must be highly motivated to graduate from high school.
The PLC setting may be ideal for students who are at high risk of dropping out of school. These students may be chronically tardy or absent, may have demonstrated poor academic achievement but have average or above average ability, and may be facing non-academic challenges to success.
Scores
State ABC Rating :
- 2009-10: High Growth Met. ALP Expected (54.6%)
- 2008-09: Growth Not Met. Low Performing (32.9%)
- 2007-08: 35.6%
Directions
From I-40:
Exit I-40 at the Durham Freeway (Exit 279, Highway 147 North). Exit the Durham Freeway at the Alston Avenue exit. Turn right onto N. Alston Avenue. Turn right onto Taylor Street. Go past Eastway Elementary and Holton will be on the left in about .5 miles
From I-85:
Exit I-85 at Avondale Drive. Proceed South on Avondale. Turn right onto N. Alston Avenue. Turn left onto Taylor Street. Go past Eastway Elementary and Holton will be on the left in about .5 miles.
