Frequently Asked Questions and Promising Practices

Please note that the information provided in this section represents suggestions based on national and state reports, feedback from the field, and Department staff observations. Some of the information in this section is not specifically Department policy; rather it represents current suggestions to consider regarding Alternative Education in Massachusetts.

I. General Questions

1. What is an Alternative Education school or program?

2. What are the goals of Alternative Education?

3. Do all districts have to offer an Alternative Education program or school?

4. What is the relationship between Alternative Education and Special Education services?

5. What models of Alternative Education exist in Massachusetts?

6. What are the benefits of Alternative Education programs/schools?

7. What are the "time on learning" regulations for Alternative Education programs/schools?

8. What should be avoided in Alternative Education programs/schools?

9. Show All General Questions

II. Practices that May Benefit Students, Parents, and the School Community

9. Assessment — promising practices in Alternative Education

10. Climate and organization — promising practices in Alternative Education

11. Community and social services — promising practices in Alternative Education

12. Curriculum — promising practices in Alternative Education

13. Data gathering and evaluation — promising practices in Alternative Education

14. Instructional quality — promising practices in Alternative Education

15. Instructional materials and resources — promising practices in Alternative Education

16. Parents/guardians — promising practices in Alternative Education

17. Personal/social/life skills — promising practices in Alternative Education

18. Student involvement — promising practices in Alternative Education

19. Staff qualifications — promising practices in Alternative Education

20. Student enrollment process — promising practices in Alternative Education

21. Student exit process — promising practices in Alternative Education

22. Show All Practices

Last Updated: January 17, 2018