IHBHAA

File. IHBHAA

ALTERNATIVE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The elementary and secondary alternative school offers educational services to students with special educational needs who have experienced difficulties in a traditional school setting. These programs allow students to maintain their academic standing in a setting apart from the elementary and secondary schools.

The alternative schools offer a variety of courses to students through a therapeutic milieu. Students attend the alternative school on either a full-time or part-time basis. All services available to students at the neighborhood schools are also available to the alternative school students. These services include vocational training and counseling, health services, physical education, career counseling, and collaborative programs. During the annual review, student progress is evaluated with the ultimate goal of returning the student to the home school. High school students who attend the alternative school are expected to fulfill graduation requirements prior to receiving a West Springfield High School diploma.

All other student rules and regulations as listed for the West Springfield Middle School or the High School will apply to alternative school students.

In addition, the students benefit from weekly counseling and discussion groups where school/home related problems are addressed. Counselors are available regularly or as need arises to discuss on a one-to-one basis any difficulties the students are experiencing.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:371; 71:37J

Board of Education Regulations Pertaining to Section 8 of Chapter 636 of the Acts of 1974,

regarding Magnet School Facilities and Magnet Educational Programs, adopted 2/25/75

West Springfield Public Schools