SAI and Alternative Education
What is alternative education?
Alternative education has many definitions. For students, alternative education might mean attending a school other than the traditional public school building in their resident school district. It might mean learning online, incorporating a work program into their education plan, learning through independent study, attending an alternative learning center (ALC) or a charter school. For educators it might mean working with students whose educational needs are not being met in the traditional seat-based program. It might mean working with students who have children of their own, or have had substance abuse problems in the past, or simply who have not found a place where they feel they “fit” in school.
What is an Alternative Learning Center?
The Minnesota Department of Education website says this about alternative education:
Alternative programs allow students who are at risk of not graduating to attend nontraditional schools, both public and private, and earn a diploma. Minnesota has more than 150 alternative programs at more than 600 sites throughout the state. Although most are focused on helping high school and adult students, alternative programs also serve students in grades K-8 whose education might otherwise be at risk. Many programs combine academics with a strong vocational emphasis.
Eligible students under age 21 are those who meet any of the following criteria: (1) are performing substantially below grade level; (2) at least one year behind in credits for graduation; (3) are pregnant or parents; (4) have experienced physical or sexual abuse; (5) are chemically dependent; (6) have mental health problems; (7) have been homeless recently; (8) have withdrawn from school or been chronically truant; or (9) speak English as a second language or have limited English proficiency.
What is a charter school?
The Minnesota Department of Education website says this about charter schoools:
Charter schools are independent public schools of choice for parents and students. The first charter school in the nation opened in Minnesota in 1992, and charter schools continue to be a popular choice for student seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Teachers, parents and others begin charter schools when they see an educational need and want to design a school to meet it. Only the number of students that the charter school can serve limits admission to a charter school. Since charter schools tend to be smaller schools, many of the schools have waiting lists each year. Currently there are 102 charter schools in operation serving 19,000 students in Minnesota. It is anticipated twenty-three schools will open in the fall of 2005 and twelve charter schools have already been approved to open in the fall of 2006.
Although each charter school offers a unique education program, students can expect quality education based on results. Charter schools employ licensed teachers, offer services to special needs students and require students to take state and national tests to assure academic accountability. Parents may contact charter schools directly to find out about the type of programs that are offered and to enroll their students in charter school programs that match the interests and needs of the students. Charter schools do not charge tuition, and there are no admission requirements to enroll students in charter schools. New charter schools with exciting programs open their doors to students every year in Minnesota, making charter schools a leading choice for students who are seeking an option to traditional public schools.