The Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) supports at-risk middle and high school students in their academic, social, and emotional development. Program directors work directly with students, helping them overcome personal and educational roadblocks that might otherwise keep them from graduating.
Most of our readers are familiar with the purpose, and have seen either first-hand or via our stories the positive outcomes created by the program. But what most don't see is the dedication and perseverance required at every level to both keep the program intact, and provide meaningful support to students.
How does this program, which is based out of Binghamton University, make its way into area schools? How does it continue to grow and transform to meet the changing needs of students?
The answer is the people. And in the case of Binghamton High School, the answer is Dr. Tonia Thompson.
Dr. Thompson has more than 30 years of experience working in education, and has spent almost all of that time supporting students in the Binghamton School District. In 2017 she became superintendent, and it's in that role that she now champions the Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program.
We asked Dr. Thompson to describe her experiences with the Binghamton University LPP, and here's what we learned.
A staunch supporter of the program, Dr. Thompson saw first-hand the need to have individuals who could play a significant role with connecting home culture and individual needs with the school culture. Taking a hard look at the students who were not demonstrating success, she saw different causes behind the disconnect. Some students were having issues with their family dynamic at home; other students had family members who did not know how to best navigate the school system to help them achieve success. There was no one-size-fits-all solution, as the issues were unique and rooted in the student's whole lives rather than just their school day.
Dr. Thompson recognized the value in the on-site presence of the LPP staff. They were able to take on struggling students, follow their attendance and performance and, when they went off-track, help them change trajectory from potential dropout to successful graduate. It was this long-term, personalized help that went beyond the walls of the school that Dr. Thompson wanted to expand upon, and ensure that even when classes were not in session the students had the support they needed.
The longevity of the program relies on funding from grants, as well as state-level funding. As part of her commitment to LPP, Dr. Thompson has been forward-thinking in advocating for funding, working with legislation, and amassing data that clearly shows the impact through increases in attendance, grades, and even graduation rates.
Also important to Dr. Thompson is making sure the LPP counselors feel like they are part of the team, and as such they have an office, phones, walkie-talkies, desks, and anything else they might need to function as an integral component of the school district.
She appreciates that the LPP staff are in the school during the day, but also she sees them while attending basketball or football games, or an evening art show. She said they demonstrate success by always being there for the students, and this sense of teamwork and availability goes both ways. The LPP counselors will call her and say there is a student having trouble, and she makes it a point to personally connect with that student. LPP maintains the relationship even after graduation, making sure the students know they still have a network of people who can help and support them.
A perfect example of Dr. Thompson’s hands-on approach involved a student who was dealing with an uncertain family situation, and repeatedly missed an important exam. She personally picked him up and drove him to his exam, and ensured he was able to graduate. Situations like this wouldn’t be possible if the students didn’t have trust in the school district, and LPP helps to foster that trust.
According to Dr. Thompson, who feels that parents are the first and most important teachers, LPP reinforces the importance of the family dynamic. At the same time, she says, you don't have to let a negative dynamic define who you are. She feels that the district wouldn't have the same outcomes without the Binghamton University LPP staff. Working together with the schools, and hands-on administrators like Dr. Thompson, they create a strong dynamic and ensure the success of the students.