6172 - Alternative Education Programs (PMA)

6172 - Alternative Education Programs 

Instruction

Alternative Education Programs

The purpose of this policy is to recognize the need for alternative education programs for some District students.

The Board of Education (Board) is dedicated to providing educational options for all students within available financial constraints.  It is recognized there will be students in the District whose needs and interests are best served by participation in an alternative education program.

"Alternative education" means a school or program maintained and operated by the Board that is offered to students in a nontraditional educational setting and addresses the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of such students.

The Board may provide alternative education to students in accordance with the guidelines established by the State Board of Education. Such guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, a description of the purpose and expectation of alternative education, criteria for student eligibility, and criteria for how and when a student may enter or exit alternative education.

In providing alternative education to students, the Board may use space in an existing school or establish a new school. Students enrolled in alternative education benefit from the same academic standards for all students in Connecticut within a different or unique setting, which addresses barriers found in traditional settings. Alternative education settings may be responsive to student needs by providing unique programming, nontraditional hours, or hybrid experiences for students. (Guidelines for Alternative Education Settings, CSDE; page 6) [VK1] Such programs must comply with state laws pertaining to the number of school days in an academic year and shall be subject to all other federal and state laws governing public schools.

The Board, as required, will post on its website information about any alternative education offered, including purpose, location, contact information, staff directory and enrollment criteria. In addition, the Board recognizes its responsibility to give all children in the District who receive alternative education as nearly equal advantages as may be practicable compared to other children in the District. In addition, the Board shall annually submit to the Commissioner of Education a strategic school profile report for each alternative school or program under its jurisdiction.

Alternative education programs implemented by the District are to maintain learning options that are flexible with regard to environment, structure and pedagogy.  Such programs include, but are not limited to, a separate school, tutorial instruction, small group instruction, large group instruction, counseling and guidance, computer-assisted instruction, cooperative work experience, supervised community service activities, and supervised independent study.

Students, upon parent request, may be placed in an alternative education program within available financial resources if the District determines that the placement serves the student's educational needs and interests and assists the student in achieving district and state academic content standards.

(cf. 6172.11 - Relations with Charter Schools)

(cf. 6172.12 - Magnet Schools)

(cf. 6172.41 - Title I Program)

(cf. 6172.6 - Virtual/Online Courses)

Legal Reference  Connecticut General Statutes

10-4p(b) Implementation plan to achieve resource equity and equality of opportunity. Assessment. Reports. (as amended by PA 15-133)

10-15 Towns to maintain schools.

10-16 Length of school year.

10-158a Cooperative arrangements among towns. School building projects. Student transportation.

10-220 Duties of boards of education (as amended by PA 15-133)

10-223h(c) Commissioner's network of schools. Turnaround committees. Operations and instructional audit. Turnaround plans. Report. (as amended by PA 15-133)

PA 15-133 An Act Concerning Alternative Education

Policy Adopted: May 14, 2024