DREAM Academy

  • In August of 2017, District 300, in collaboration with Invo Healthcare, launched DREAM (Dedicated Reinforcement, Engagement, and Motivation) Academy at Perry Elementary School.

    DREAM Academy provides targeted academic, behavioral, and social supports to students in grades 1-5 who have been identified as at-risk.

    Students enrolled in DREAM Academy are designated as at-risk if they have four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including, the death of a parent, divorced parents, emotional abuse, family violence, incarceration of a family member, physical abuse or sexual abuse. The number of ACEs a child has been exposed to increases the associated risks including, but not limited to, poor academic performance, impediment to neurological development, increased likelihood of dyslexia, increased disciplinary infractions, poor academic stamina, poor social skills development, and lower overall academic persistency and engagement.

    The purpose of DREAM Academy is to provide early intervention and supports to help students overcome the effects of ACEs and to improve their academic attainment, increase on task behaviors, reduce disciplinary infractions, support conflict avoidance/resolution, and improve peer interactions.

    The results have been simply incredible. Since implementing DREAM Academy, students are demonstrating two or more years of academic growth toward grade level performance standards and a decline in truancy rates.

    “DREAM Academy has enabled Perry Elementary to identify and address our student’s emotional needs in a more effective manner,” says Perry Elementary teacher DeAnn Hooper. “It has been remarkable to witness the program’s impact. Since launching DREAM Academy, our students have demonstrated a reduction in stressors and anxieties, a decline in self-harming behaviors, and a decrease in hospitalizations for mental health issues. We have also observed increased attendance and stronger academic performance. DREAM Academy is making a significant difference in the lives of our students and I look forward to watching them grow, mature, and succeed.”

     

    DREAM Academy in the Press: