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About Alternative Education

The Program
Our mission is to enable students to become productive members of the community by providing quality-learning opportunities leading students to:
  • develop an appreciation of self and others, while learning to become productive citizens
  • develop individual talents, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • develop workforce readiness
  • complete a course of study resulting in a high school diploma or General Education Developmental (GED) Certificate

Admission/Referral Screening Criteria

Students may be referred to the Alternative Programs by a local school district official, a school attendance review board, the juvenile court, a probation officer, or by a social worker. Students who meet one or more of the following criteria may be eligible for enrollment:

  1. expelled from a school district;
  2. referred by a school district as a result of the recommendation by a school attendance review board (SARB), or at the request of a parent/guardian;
  3. probation-referred pursuant to W.I.C. Sections 300, 601, 602, 654, and/or
  4. homeless children.
Each student will be assessed to determine appropriate placement. Students may be placed at a school site where they attend everyday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays, which are noon-dismissal days, or as scheduled. A student's placement may be determined by court order, which would enroll a student in a court school or day center program.

Enrollment Procedures

A local school district will notify the Alternative Programs of students who have been expelled or referred through SARB. Probation officers will refer eligible students directly.

It is the parent's responsibility to contact the Alterative Programs for a registration appointment. Parents are expected to share information with the enrollment official regarding any special education programs and services received currently by the student.

In addition, the Alternative Programs handbook outlining the school rules, discipline procedures, and course offerings is explained. The student and parent's commitment to the school program is encouraged.

Curriculum

The Alternative Programs uses an integrated, thematic approach to instruction. Subjects such as language arts and history are combined in an effort to make learning more relevant and to help students process and retain information more efficiently. Lessons, assignments, and projects are centered on bi-monthly themes that bring continuity to the learning experience.

Parents may review curriculum upon request.

Students have opportunities to individualize their instruction. Expectations are modified based on the abilities of each student. Teachers, parents, and students may conference with one another to determine what content areas they will emphasize in the work they do, based upon the credits they need. However, final determination of credits awarded in a specific content area rests with the teacher and is based on evidence of student progress.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs)

Six ESLR areas were determined by the Alternative Programs staff to be essential to the success of students upon graduation. These areas are examined by students and teachers during each semester unit through the use of the Individual Learning Plan. The ESLR areas are:
  • Concept of one.
  • Knowledge
  • Work
  • Communication Skills
  • Community Contribution
  • Personal Awareness
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