Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code    IHBH Policy Name Alternative Programs Adoption July 2, 1984 Revised April 7, 1992

It is the philosophy of the District to provide programs for all students. There are occasions when, in the judgment of parents, staff, student, and administration, the unique needs of an individual student are best addressed in an alternative program and/or environment. It is essential that such programs address both student self-esteem and performance and the interrelationship of the two. The standards described in this policy must be met in order for any alternative program to be considered viable for students seeking promotion within or graduation from any Littleton Public School.

Definition

Alternative programs shall be defined as provisions within the public education system which offer major choices among diverse educational environments based on student needs, talents, and interests, which occupy a significant proportion of an individual student’s time, and which meet the District’s philosophy and objectives.

Standards

The Littleton Public Schools essential learning outcomes must be met and assessed in each class being taught.

The integrated learning outcomes and/or graduation requirements of the school awarding the promotion or diploma must be met, assessed, and certified before such promotion or diploma will be awarded.

Flexible time periods, such as evenings and Saturdays, may be used as long as the number of contact hours is consistent with state requirements.

The home school staff, the alternative program staff, administration, parents, and the student will decide collaboratively if placement into the alternative program is appropriate for the student.

Alternative programs may not deviate from District policies without the consent of the Board or its designee.

Alternative programs are responsible for addressing the priorities of Littleton Public Schools as established in the District strategic plan and the accountability process.

Administration, staff, students, community, and parents will be involved in decision making and planning regarding alternative programs. Any such projects shall be discussed with the Division of Instruction administration and receive its endorsement prior to development.

Appropriate communications will be a priority in the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages of the development of any alternative program.

Alternative programs will foster partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance experiential learning and develop positive community relationships and involvement.

Alternative programs may be housed in existing home school facilities or in off-site facilities, but in either case the facilities will be adequate to meet the health and safety needs of the students.

The appropriate per pupil funds will be transferred from the home school to the alternative school in order to meet student needs for supplies and materials.

Any alternative programs which require funding beyond that available per pupil in home schools must have that funding approved by the Board.

Alternative programs already existing within the District at the time of the passage of this policy will be responsible to make whatever modifications are necessary to meet the above standards.

Proposals for alternative programs shall include a design for evaluating the effectiveness in achieving the purposes of the program and determining the extent to which it is successful in achieving the mission and outcomes of the District. Alternative programs will be reviewed and evaluated annually for the first three years with a recommendation to the Board as to continuation of the programs.

Alternative programs shall be approved by the Board prior to implementation.