328R - Alternative Education Programs

  1. Placement as a Consequence of Discipline 

    Students may be reassigned to alternative education programs by the school board, or by the superintendent or designee for violations of the student code of conduct; or pending adjudication of certain violations of federal or state law; or for being convicted of certain violations of federal or state law. Students referred to alternative education shall be considered by a placement committee. 

    1. Placement Committee

      Students referred to alternative education shall be considered by a placement committee. The placement committee will consider the student’s academic progress, discipline record, and behaviors when determining if an alternative education program is appropriate. The placement committee, after consideration of the student’s record and an interview with student and/or parent/guardian, may accept or deny admission to the alternative education program.

    2. Attendance Mandatory

      Students placed in an alternative education program shall comply with compulsory attendance laws and conditions of an instructional plan developed by the placement committee.

    3. Extra-Curricular Activities Prohibited

       Students assigned to alternative education programs may not participate in any extra-curricular activity, including athletics, at their home school.

    4. Commencement Exercises Prohibited

      Students who are assigned to an alternative education program for disciplinary reasons that result in long term suspension status are excluded from participating in commencement exercises at their home school. This condition may be waived by the principal whose decision is final and without appeal.

    5. Students with a Disability

      Students with a disability shall be considered for alternative program placement and be afforded protections as provided for in applicable law, and state and federal regulation.

    6. Instructional Plan Required

      Accepted students shall have an instructional plan developed and implemented to guide progress toward meeting academic and behavioral success.

    7. Readmission to Home School

      Students who have been long-term suspended or expelled must make application to the school board for readmission. The placement committee shall prepare a recommendation with regard to the student’s reinstatement petition. The placement committee may also recommend reinstatement in advance of the student serving the complete term of the long-term suspension or expulsion.

      Students reinstated shall have a transition plan developed and implemented. Transition plans shall be monitored by the principal or designee and student support services assigned to the students’ home school.

    8. Dismissal from Alternative Education Program

      Students may be dismissed from an alternative education program for failing to meet conditions set forth in their instructional plans or for violations of the student code of conduct. Students will be afforded due process protections and may appeal dismissal to the superintendent or designee. The superintendent’s or designee’s decision shall be final.

  2. Placement by Application 

    Students may seek to enroll in alternative education programs to better meet their academic needs. Students may apply to enroll in such programs following application procedures established for each program. 

    1. Regular School Year Program

      Students accepted into school year programs shall comply with all rules, practices, and procedures established by the program. Students who are not experiencing success while enrolled in an alternative program shall receive appropriate assistance and counseling to determine whether to continue or withdraw from the alternative program.

    2. Termination of Regular School Year Alternative Program Services

      1. Students may withdraw from alternative programs and seek enrollment in their home school following guidelines established in the program of studies. Applicable grade penalties shall apply.

      2. Students dismissed from alternative programs may appeal their dismissal to the superintendent or designee. The superintendent’s or designee’s decision is final.

    3. Intersession or Summer Program

      Students accepted into intersession or summer programs operated by the division, regional consortium, or by the Commonwealth shall comply with all rules, practices, and procedures established by the program. Violations of rules, practices, and procedures may result in dismissal from the program. There shall be no appeal of dismissals from intersession or summer programs.

Adopted: May 6, 2010