EDUCATION

"I’m teaching a subject I know inside-out and a subject I enjoy," he said. "I do it because I really want to make a difference, somehow. And I think teaching is how I can do it."

Counselors and staff have developed "individual learning plans" for each former Crossroads student, which defines what each needs to do to graduate on time. The students are plugged into classes that provide individual attention, and they meet with counselors regularly.

This year, the district has adopted NovaNET, a computer-based program that offers students an opportunity to make up lost credits while staying on track with the rest of their courses. The program is offered as a class in all three Billings high schools and was piloted with undeniable success.

Engineering professor Robb Larson had students in his class work together against a common college student enemy: the alarm clock.

Earlier this year, the Montana Student Assistance Foundation out of Helena chose the MAPS program in Corvallis to produce the TV commercial and three 30-second radio commercials for its College Goal Sunday program.