Every individual deserves a community that honors the competencies and potential of every learning style. Helping to provide appropriate services to students diagnosed with dyslexia and other related learning differences is seen as a mutually beneficial endeavor for Nicholls State University and The MAX Charter School. We at Nicholls feel that this first-of-its-kind partnership with The Max Charter School—a commitment that also involves the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders, its College of Education, and other relevant colleges and departments—is, most assuredly, a worthwhile investment in the future of these unique students.
From the onset, we knew that The MAX Charter School would be an asset to our College of Education. It provides our faculty with opportunities for research in this very important field, and it provides our pre-service teachers and methods classes with an unprecedented opportunity to see firsthand how these students learn and how to help them be successful. The teacher candidates are also able to observe, tutor, offer small-group instruction, engage in community service, and display their special talents and interests.
I am proud to say that our partnership with The MAX has been in the community’s best interest. It is a thriving one and is a win-win situation for all parties. Several of our professional staff not only assisted in the writing of the charter in 2006, but four also now serve as board members on the eleven-member MAX Charter School Board–offering their expertise in the educational field, serving on board and standing committees, and helping to guide some of the many difficult decisions that have to be made.
The students and professional staff at The MAX have also thrived. The collaboration in the last three years between the two institutions has been extremely beneficial and highly productive. Along with the opportunity to participate in special programs, performances, and events held on the university campus, the students are afforded the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities and to be exposed to the successes and accomplishments of the art, music, and science departments. Students and teachers have access to the university library, the gymnasium and training facilities, and Le Bijou Theater. They also have held events at John L. Guidry Stadium and Peltier Park.
The school itself has been provided with opportunities for marketing through the university website and coordination of press releases. University police have been diligent about providing the necessary security needed to keep the students safe.
I strongly believe that The MAX Charter School is changing the future of many at-risk children. We are excited to be part of this team and look forward to a continued partnership for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Stephen T. Hulbert
President, Nicholls State University
