Alt Ed-can you point me to effective programs?

[digonswine]

Ours is a mishmash of quasi-learning whereby non-Special Ed. kids can get a standard high school degree by doing and learning little-I would guess 1/10th compared to the regular classroom, in addition to being held accountable in no way for behaviors nor their own learning. I am sure this is just a way to throw ever more meaningless diplomas at kids in order to improve graduation rates. Don't get me wrong--I know there is pressure to do this. I want to know about effective programs with (student) accountability and results--if you know of any. I am in Wisconsin by the way.

I may be slow to respond--thank you!

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Can you be a little more specific about what you're looking for?

Are you looking to improve your child's program in your school district? Or find a private school? Or move elsewhere?

My wife and I have some experience in this area, we help local (Boston-area) parents to improve their children's programs and I teach a class to parents on IEPs (Individualizd Education Programs) through our local SPED parent group.

[digonswine]

2. No--but thank you--

I was wondering if any educators had experience with good alt ed programs for the purpose of trying to improve the very poor one we have. I am talking about those kids who do not qualify for special ed programs but fail to thrive w/in the normal classroom. I am peripherally involved in this in my district and find ours to be wanting in many respects. I have tons of experience with at-risk, but not in a public setting. I was looking for good resources--thanks!

[knitter4democracy]

3. I was the writing coach in our good alt. ed. high school for a year and a half.

What are some of your questions? Are you looking for strategies or management techniques or what?

[NYC_SKP]

4. All my early classroom teaching experience was alt-ed.

Successful programs were small learning communities, self-contained or team teaching environments, 20:1 or 25:1 student/teacher ratios, thematic instruction, strong on life skills and relationships.

Often run by county offices of education or as public charters, occasionally as a continuation program under a district.

Shop it around and good luck!

:hi: