Policy 5101 - Alternative Education Program

5.101.1 Definition

5101.1.1 Alternative education programs in Harrison County are a

temporary authorized departure from the regular school program. They are designed

to provide educational and social development for students whose

behavior places them at risk of not succeeding in the traditional school

environment and in adult life without positive interventions.

5101.2 Eligibility

5101.2.1 Students in alternative education programs will be

provided educational opportunities in accordance with

West Virginia codes §18-2-6, §18A-5-1a, §18-5-19, and §18-5A-2,

as well as West Virginia Board of Education

Policy 2418. These temporary placement services include, but are not

limited to: Harrison County Transitional Middle School, Harrison County

Transitional High School and Alternative High School.

5101.2.2 Students will be placed in Harrison County Transitional Middle School

and Harrison County Transitional High School for:

5101.2.2.1 violations of the Productive and Safe Schools Act (W.Va Code

§18A-5-la) in accordance with the provisions of the Act; OR

5101.2.2.2 repeated violations of the county’s discipline policy following

documented multiple behavioral interventions by the Student Assistance Team

at the referring school; OR 5101.2.2.3 continuation of educational services

during periods of suspension or expulsion.

5101.3 Placement of Students in Alternative Education Programs

5101.3.1 Placement of students in alternative education programs,

excluding short term in-school suspensions, shall be made by an Alternative Education

Placement Team, which may be the Student Assistance Team. Harrison

County Schools shall provide for the opportunity for parents to participate in

the placement team meeting.

5101.4 Curriculum

5101.4.1 Harrison County Schools shall have an

identified written curriculum for alternative education programs based upon

State Board of Education approved content standards and objectives. The curriculum

also includes a component for teaching and learning responsible behavior. In addition,

Harrison County shall provide for the participation of staff certified in the

core subject areas in the development of the academic curriculum and the

assessment measures to determine mastery of content standards and objectives.

5101.5 Instruction

5101.5.1 Instructional activities shall be consistent with the written

curriculum and appropriate for the students’ developmental levels;

5101.5.2 Instructional materials shall be age appropriate, functionally appropriate

and of high interest level for students;

5101.5.3 The program shall provide for individualized instruction and

accommodate the entry and exit of students;

5101.5.4 Curricular and instructional practices shall reflect high expectations for

students; 5101.5.5 The instructional program shall be delivered in a climate

conducive to learning; 5101.5.6 Sufficient instructional materials, supplies and

equipment shall be available to deliver the instructional program.

5101.6 Statewide Assessment Program

5101.6.1 Students enrolled in alternative

education programs shall participate in the Statewide Assessment Program.

The test scores for these students shall be counted in the results of the referring school.

5101.7 Support Services

5101.7.1 Students in alternative education programs

shall receive school counseling services and/or other support services, such as

school social work or psychological services, as indicated in the student’s written plan.

5101.8 Special Education

5101.8.1 Harrison County Schools shall comply with

applicable state, local and federal laws and regulations in the education of

exceptional students placed in alternative education programs.

5101.9 Personnel

5101.9.1 Classroom teachers shall be selected on the

basis of the teachers’demonstration of competence in meeting the following standards:

5101.9.1.1. possess a West Virginia professional teaching certificate.

5101.9.1.2 ability to effect positive behavior in disruptive students.

5101.9.1.3 effective leadership and/or mentoring skills in working with youth.

5101.9.1.4 successful experience in providing education to troubled or

disruptive youth.

5101.9.1.5 specialized training or experience in non-traditional programs.

5101.9.1.6 specialized training in behavior management skills.

5101.10 Home-Based Programs for Disruptive Students

5101.10.1 The Harrison County Board of Education may provide

home-based programs solely for students expelled under the Productive and

Safe Schools Act (W.Va. Code §18A-5-1a) or for disruptive students who

meet the eligibility criteria for Home/Hospital Instruction under State

Board of Education Policy 2510 – Assuring the Quality of Education:

Regulations for Education Programs.

5101.11 Program Completion

5101.11.1 Students may complete an

alternative education program in one of the following manners:

(a) fulfillment of criteria for re-entry into the regular

school program; (b) completion of regular high school graduation

requirements and awarding of a regular high school diploma from the

referring school; (c) completion of identified performance

criteria leading to a high school diploma; or (d) completion of a GED in

accordance with State Board of Education Policy 2444.4: Issuance of High

School Equivalent Diplomas, State of West Virginia.

5101.12 Program Evaluation

5101.12.1 Considerations for Program

Evaluation and Accreditation Reviews shall focus upon the impact of the

program on student performance and results using indicators such as:

academic gains, reduction in dropout rates, reduction in incidences

requiring disciplinary action, improvement in attendance rates,

rates of successful program completion and return to the regular

school program, rates of successful completion of vocational

training programs, rates of successful completion of high school

graduation or attainment of a GED, and rates of successful job placement

and job retention.

Approved by Harrison County Board of Education

Effective Date: June 25, 2002