Contract-Based Course Is Her Key To College

As a junior at University High School, BreAnne Stark lacked self-discipline and regularly cut class.

Normally a good student, her grades slipped. The traditional high school setting wasn’t working, and a University guidance counselor suggested Stark enroll in contract-based education.

Reluctantly, she agreed.

“When I went over there I wasn’t too happy about it,” said Stark, 17. “But once I got there I really took to it.”

Two years later, Stark, the mother of a three-month-old daughter, will graduate from high school with a 3.3 grade point average. Ironically, Stark’s work ethic drove her to finish her high school course work in December - six months before her graduation next Thursday - and enroll at Spokane Falls Community College for spring quarter.

“I pushed myself,” Stark said. “I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to get done.”

Teacher Jeff Smith said Stark needed time to develop that drive. He remembered Stark as shy and introverted, almost unsure of herself when she came to the school.

Eventually, working at her own pace, Stark flourished. Her grades and confidence improved.

“The student that I did see was very caring and optimistic about her future,” Smith said. “I can’t really say enough good things about her.”

The program’s flexibility allowed Stark to take a part-time telecommunication job, which she sandwiched between study sessions. Mornings were reserved for finishing work sheets and reading. She found nights the most productive time to study for exams.

Several months later, Stark caught up on her school work and considered returning to University High School. Her goals changed when she found out she was pregnant. Stark decided that staying with contract-based education was the best thing to do, and told her guidance counselor she wanted to finish high school before her daughter was due in February.

Stark’s diligence paid off with a $500 Sunrise Rotary college scholarship, which she will use to continue at SFCC. She also has been promoted at work.

Eventually, Stark plans to study diagnostic ultrasound at Bellevue Community College, and might pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“I definitely think that high school is where students should be at, but it’s unreal to think that everybody can learn in the standard high school format,” Stark said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo