ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM
BENNETT COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH AND BENNETT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS
The Alternative Learning Program is a student behavior management program. This program involves students assigned to an alternative classroom or In School Suspension classroom.
School attendance and participation is important to the educational development of each student’s academic success. School rules and regulations are established to perpetuate a safe educational environment.
This program is established for when a student comes in conflict with school rules and/or policy, has fallen behind in school assignments, and has multiple unexcused absences/tardies or needs to be removed from regular classroom settings. The concern is for the student and others as well. The Alternative Learning Program staff will assist the student to return to regular classrooms as quickly and effectively as possible.
The structure consists of maintenance of strict control, small staff/student ratio, certified teacher, maintenance of regular schoolwork, study carrels and individual help with work as needed.
Students in grades 7-12 may be placed in the Alternative Learning Classroom.
A measure of the student’s progress will be accomplished by a system of point accumulation. The criteria for awarding points (by the teacher) are in the form of a specific list of behavior items that carry a point credit. This needs to be accomplished before the student is returned to the regular education program.
In general, the whole experience will be shaped so that, while being isolated from other students and staff, the student continues with his/her regular studies through regular communication with the classroom teachers. The overriding goal of the program is to return the student to regular classrooms as soon as possible while also providing a positive approach to discipline through early intervention and completion of schoolwork.
ASSIGNMENT TO THE ALTERATIVE LEARNING CLASSOOM
The Junior High and/or High School Principal, or their designee, are the only persons authorized to assign a student to the Alternative Learning Classroom. It will be their decision to assign a student to the classroom or to take an alternate approach to correct a problem or situation. The principal, or designee will make the final decision as to the length of the assignment in the Alternative Learning Classroom.
INSUBORDINATION IN THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CLASSROOM
If a student is insubordinate in the Alternative Learning Classroom (EX. Fighting, refusal to cooperate, disrespect, refusal to complete work, inappropriate language), the principal, teachers, parent/guardian, and counselor will meet to determine what should be done with the student. This could mean Out Of School Suspension or Expulsion.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Experience has shown that when the school and parents work together, a change in behavior is more readily made and has a more lasting effect. Parents will be contacted regarding the placement of students in the Alternative Learning Classroom. Further phone calls, personal contacts or meetings will be made as events dictate. These meetings carry the main objective of establishing behavior change by the student as well as the school and parents.
SCHOOLWORK
As soon as it is determined that a student is assigned to the Alternative Learning Classroom, a request for schoolwork/assignments from the student’s teachers will be issued. Assignments will cover the number of days the student is assigned to the Alternative Learning Classroom along with schoolwork that is incomplete or missing. The Alternative Learning Classroom teacher for grading will return schoolwork to the regular classroom teacher at the end of each day. Communication and cooperation between regular classroom teachers and the Alternative Learning Classroom teacher is essential to keep the student’s schoolwork complete and in exchanging assignments and answer sheets.
SUSPENSION FROM EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students assigned to the Alternative Learning Classroom for an infraction will be suspended from all activity participation and attendance during the time of the Alternative Learning Classroom placement.
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Any student receiving an Out of School Suspension will attend the Alternative Learning Classroom as they transition back to school.
SUMMARY
The success of the Alternative Learning Program depends largely upon a concentrated effort by the parents, teachers, counselor and administration. Of special importance to this effort are the classroom teachers as they provide appropriate schoolwork lists and materials.
Referral decisions made by the principal, or designee, will be made after consideration of the age, severity of infraction and past Alternative Learning Program referrals.
DUTIES OF THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM TEACHER:
Log student attendance
Track student points
Track and assist students with schoolwork
Example – Mark off student work as it is completed
Transport students to lunch when necessary
Return finished schoolwork to classroom teachers
Notify administrators of student needs
ALTERATIVE LEARNING PROGAM PROCEDURES
A student must earn points each day in the Alternative Learning Classroom. Ten points are possible each day. A student must earn EIGHT points each day of his/her Alternative Learning Program assignment to earn the privilege to return to regular classrooms.
POINTS ARE AWARDED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Attend class on time, not tardy 1
All needed materials are brought in the ALP 1
Uses appropriate language 1
Cooperates in activities 2
Work area left clean 1
Behaves appropriately during breaks and study time 1
Academic work is complete and acceptable 2
Treats others with respect 1
Students will report to the ALC each morning with all materials needed.
Students will remain in the ALC area throughout the day.
Students will be in their assigned carrel by start time (or at the table if working with the teacher).
Students are allowed to talk only to the teacher, No talking between students is allowed.
Students will use the restroom in the ALC area.
Students have no free time in the ALC. Extra work or books will be available for extended practice.
Students will remain in their carrels unless permission is granted.
Students are not allowed to have gum, candy, pop or other treats in the ALP.
Students will do assigned work quietly, cooperatively and correctly.
Students may have additional rules explained dependent on situations and as the need arises for the safety and well being of students and staff.
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CLASSROOM REQUEST FOR ASSIGNMENTS:
Student _______________________________ Teacher ___________________ Date: _____________________
(Record OR attach documentation necessary for the ALC teacher and student to understand.)
PERIOD ONE
PERIOD TWO
PERIOD THREE
PERIOD FOUR
PERIOD FIVE
PERIOD SIX
PERIOD SEVEN
Copy to be placed in student folder in the ALC and given to building administrator.
STUDENT _____________________________________________ DATE _________________ TIME ______________
REASON FOR REFERRAL ____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SCHOOLWORK DOCUMENTATION:
BEHAVIOR COMMENTS:
POINTS EARNED:
Attend class on time, not tardy 1
All needed materials are brought in the ALP 1
Uses appropriate language 1
Cooperates in activities 2
Work area left clean 1
Behaves appropriately during breaks and study time 1
Academic work is complete and acceptable 2
Treats others with respect 1
TOTAL EARNED __________
DATE RETURNED TO CLASS __________________________________________________
SIGNATURE of ALC Teacher ___________________________________________________
Copy to be placed in student folder in ALC and given to building administrator.
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM STUDENT REACTION
(This is to be completed BY the STUDENT PRIOR to returning to the regular classroom.)
Please answer each question in complete sentences.
What action/s led you to placement in the Alterative Learning Classroom?
Was your behavior appropriate? Why or why not?
How did you feel being assigned to the ALC?
What have you learned as a result of your experience in the ALC?
What do you plan to do so that you won’t be assigned to the ALC again?
Other comments?
Copy to be placed in student folder in ALC and given to building administrator.