What should be avoided in Alternative Education programs/schools?
Alternative Education programs and schools not observing best practices may in effect operate as “dumping grounds” for students with behavior problems or who are perceived as difficult to educate. Students are typically transferred into such schools involuntarily, perhaps as a “last chance” before expulsion. In order to avoid creating a “dumping ground,” it is essential that students fit the target profile for which the Alternative Education program or school has, involvement been designed with community. Further, the implementation of the design must reflect a genuine effort to keep students in school and to educate them in ways that are consistent with statewide academic standards reflected in curriculum guidelines. A number of Alternative Education programs and schools in the Commonwealth employ innovative practices with teachers who are committed to educating students who, for a variety of reasons, do better outside the traditional classroom. Demand for seats in these “choice” prog
