Board Policy

BP 6181

Instruction

Alternative Schools

The Board of Education recognizes that educational goals are best achieved through programs that address students' diverse individual learning needs. The Board encourages parents/guardians and staff to develop proposals for innovative schools designed to meet such needs and maximize self-motivation. All proposals should be consistent with current research on effective educational practices.

Alternative schools must teach the Board-adopted core curriculum. With Board approval, they may differ from ongoing programs in other ways that include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. They may emphasize a specific element of the approved curriculum

2. They may present the approved curriculum in a sequence different from that used in other schools

3. Their staff may emphasize specific instructional strategies

4. The decision making process for their governance may differ from the processes used in other schools

Alternative schools may not result in segregated schools, discrimination on the basis of sex, race or religious preference, inequitable distribution of staff or resources, unequal access to programs, or any other circumstances which adversely affect the learning environment of students not enrolled in the alternative school or class.

The Superintendent or designee may establish an advisory committee of staff and community members which will evaluate proposals for alternative schools. The Board shall approve or disapprove proposals after considering the recommendation of the committee and the Superintendent or designee.

(cf. 1220 - Citizen Advisory Committees)

The Superintendent or designee shall annually evaluate alternative schools in accordance with law. Such schools shall be discontinued if they fail to demonstrate positive effects on student achievement over a reasonable period of time, or if interest in the school declines and no longer justifies its staffing requirements.

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

52900-52904 Alternative education and work centers for school dropouts

58500-58512 Alternative Schools

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: March 8, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California