Aberdeen School District No. 58 has elected to provide special instructional courses and services to eligible at-risk youth to enable them to earn a high school diploma via an alternative program. The district’s secondary alternative program will utilize course offerings, teacher/student ratios, and teaching strategies which are specially designed to serve the educational needs of at-risk youth. The board may approve alternative middle/junior high school and secondary programs.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
An at-risk youth may qualify for participation in the alternative program if he/she meets the following criteria:
- The student is eligible to attend grades six through twelve (6-12).
- The student meets three (3) of the following criteria:
a. Has repeated at least one (1) grade;
b. Has absenteeism that is greater than ten percent (10%) during the preceding semester;
c. Has an overall grade point average that is less than 1.5 on a 4.0 scale prior to enrolling in the alternative secondary program;
d. Has failed one (1) or more academic subjects in the past year;
e. Is below proficient, based on local criteria or standardized tests, or both;
f. Is two (2) or more credits per year behind the rate required to graduate or for grade promotion; or
g. Has attended three (3) or more schools within the previous two (2) years, not including dual enrollment. - Or the student meets any of the following criteria:
a. Has documented or pattern of substance abuse;
b. Is pregnant or a parent;
c. Is an emancipated or unaccompanied youth;
d. Is a previous dropout;
e. Has a serious personal, emotional, or medical issue or issues;
f. Has a court or agency referral; or
g. Demonstrates behavior that is detrimental to their academic progress.
PLACEMENT DETERMINATION
The evaluation and determination to place a student in the alternative school will be made by the district in consultation with the student and the student’s parents/guardians. In making the placement determination, the district will consider a student’s qualification for participation in the alternative program based on the criteria identified above. Placement is based on available space.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTION, GRADUATION CREDIT, AND SERVICES
The district’s alternative program will include core academic content that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum academic standards. Additional instruction in the following components will be provided: personal and career counseling; physical fitness/personal health; career and technical education approved by the state division of career technical education; and personal finance, parenting, and child care.
Graduation credit may be earned in the following areas: academic subjects, electives, and approved work-based learning experiences. Nonacademic courses, i.e., classroom and office aides, do not qualify for credit unless they are approved work-based learning experiences.
The district will provide special services in its alternative secondary program, where appropriate, including a day care center for parents who are students staffed by a qualified child care provider; direct social services that may include officers of the court, social workers, and counselors/psychologists; and all services in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
LOCATION OF SERVICES
During the school year, the district’s alternative high school programs will be located at a separate site from the regular high school facility or scheduled at a time different from the regular school hours.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections
33-1001(3) – Definition of “At-Risk Student”
33-1002 – Educational Support Program
33-1002C – Summer School Program Support Units – Alternative Secondary School – Juvenile Detention Facility
33-1002F – Alternative School Program
IDAPA 08.02.03.110 – Alternative Secondary Programs
ADOPTED: April 17, 2024
AMENDED: