Philosophy

The Alternative Education Center provides RE-3(J) students an opportunity to earn credit in core subjects in non-traditional setting.  All Alternative Education Center students understand that the expectation is for them to attain standards and pass proficiency tests in all assigned subjects and to then transition back to regular education.

All Alternative Education Center referrals will be considered on an individual basis through an in-depth student case study.

Criteria

A student who meets the following criteria may be eligible to receive services from the Alternative Education Center:

1. Documented evidence of need for Alternative Education Center services
2. Desire to participate in an interim alternative program
3. Strong commitment to fulfill class and/or graduation requirements
4. Willingness to adhere to program structure
5. Ability and desire to perform academically
6. Documented history of regular program interventions
7. Certain “at risk” behaviors caused by traditional school expectations
8. Significant course completion or graduation requirement difficulties
9. Repeated failure of a required course
10. Expulsion or suspension which would result in the loss of academic credit
11. Loss of credit due to excessive absenteeism caused by circumstances beyond the  student’s control.

It should be noted that this program does not work in all at-risk students.
Alternative Education observes the principle of least restrictive environment.  If students  can be effectively served in the regular classroom or in a specialized program in their traditional school, this is preferred over any separate school program.

Parents must realize that this program is optional, and therefore transportation is not provided.  Parents must provide transportation to and from the Alternative Education Center.  Parents also must make arrangements to have their child picked up in case of early dismissal for any reason.
 

Referral Process

1. Student, parent, or school employee meets with the student’s counselor/administrator and request that a referral is made to the AEC.

2. Referral form is completed by counselor/administrator.

3. Counselor/ administrator aid the AEC coordinator in compiling necessary information for a case study. This will include but is not limited to: grades, attendance, behavior, parent meetings, counseling interventions, referral for special services, special service documentation if student receives services, and any other pertinent data.

4. AEC coordinator presents case to the referral committee.

5. The committee makes recommendations.

6. AEC coordinator makes a determination and communicates results to counselor/administrator.

7. If accepted student and parent(s) must meet with AEC staff to review contract before starting in the program.

Note: At the end of the school year a list of students whom the AEC staff feels should return the following school year is complied and shared with the counselors and administrators. They are referred at that time to return to the program.