A principal’s perspective:

“A discovery they enjoy.”

After a 31-year career in education, Stacy Talus’s review of Root 2 Rise is “resoundingly positive.”

Talus is principal of Reynolds Learning Academy, a 225-student alternative high school near Portland, Oregon.

A year after its introduction, 21 students now participate in Root 2 Rise in three elementary schools. “Teachers love Tutor-Mentors and rave about them,” he said.

Talus said District Superintendent Frank Caropelo is also an enthusiastic advocate. Talus said the results belie any negative stereotypes that might be associated with students “who have struggled in their academic journey.” Root 2 Rise meshes with the smaller classes, personalized learning plans, and other measures offered at the school.

Talus cites the stipends for Tutor-Mentors, and academic and work credits offered by Root 2 Rise, as well as students’ discovery that they may enjoy - and can pursue - careers as teachers, counselors, and social workers, options they might otherwise never have considered.

“I can’t think of anything remotely negative about Root 2 Rise. It’s the type of program that public education should offer,” he said.