DRAFT       CAASP Position Paper:      DRAFT

“Keys to a Successful Alternative Education Program – Revised 4/30/09”

Ø      NAME AND LOCATION

• Student input into program name and identity
• Off campus location (or a definite area designated for alternative education only) including access to technology and a gymnasium or a recreational area

Ø      PHILOSOPHY

• A well-defined mission and entry procedure, and flexibility in graduation requirements
• A school of choice where the student, staff, and parent/guardian agree that the placement is appropriate and provides the best chance of success
• Not a transition program – students can graduate from the program
• A privilege, not a right – students may be exited from the program for lack of maintaining or achieving stated criteria

Ø      STUDENTS

• Create a student profile and limit the student to teacher ratio to 12:1
• Develop a “Code of Conduct” fashioned and agreed upon by both students and staff and emphasizing fairness
• Include a probationary period, a policy and process for ongoing evaluation of student appropriateness

Ø      CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

• High-interest curriculum with an emphasis on life-skills
• Include an employment/community service component for credit
• Flexibility in interpreting sending high school’s curricula
• Students meet standardized measures of learning through diverse assessments and with appropriate support
• Emphasis on 3 R’s: Relationships, Relevance, Rigor (in that order)

Ø      STAFF

• Flexible, caring staff along with consistent access to assigned support personnel

• Staff freely chooses to teach within the program
• Staff members reflect a holistic perspective of care for students including personal, social, emotional, intellectual and life success, that includes safety and security elements

Ø      SUPPORT

• Membership in a support group such as Connecticut Association of Alternative Schools and Programs (CAASP)
• Seek community, school board, and administrative support through public relations, communications, and accurate tracking of current students and graduates
• Reasonable budget and budget autonomy

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