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Alternative Education

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

  1. Assessment — promising practices in Alternative Education

  2. Climate and organization — promising practices in Alternative Education

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

  4. Curriculum — promising practices in Alternative Education

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

  6. Instructional quality — promising practices in Alternative Education

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

  8. Parents/guardians — promising practices in Alternative Education

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

  10. Student involvement — promising practices in Alternative Education

  11. Staff qualifications — promising practices in Alternative Education

  12. Student enrollment process — promising practices in Alternative Education

  13. Student exit process — promising practices in Alternative Education

  14. Show All Practices

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

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Last Updated: January 17, 2018

 
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