Sunday, November 7, 2010

Alternative Schools an Alternative for What?

Alternative schools are about providing an alternative to the traditional high school environment. Do they really or do they just move students from one non-successful environment to another one that does not provide the rigid antiquated settings. Does the new alternative environment require a student to do more than breathe to get the diploma? When students are not required to attend as often, be on time (regular school hours), and do not complete the entire subject area studies, is that an alternative for what? Is it really helping students or just helping the schools graduation rates. Does life after graduation provide and alternative for students now adults who are not successful? Very rarely.... Instead of offering 'Alternative Schools' why don't we provide 'Alternative Teachers and Administrators'. Does that not make more sense?
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4 comments:

  1. KastendieckNovember 12, 2010 at 12:59 PM

    Alternative schools do work for some students. I find that ironic. I think alternative teachers and administrators work for all students. Does that make sense?

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  2. KastendieckNovember 18, 2010 at 4:29 PM

    The Alternative School vision I have. I would like to see it work very similar to what a Transitional Kindergarten works. TK is for students who due to age, maturity, or lack of skills , need an extra year to get ready for school. Low class size and teachers who are trained in early childhood development are part of the program. Curriculum is specific to the needs of the student and the setting is aimed at maximizing student learning and success. Now flip this to Alternative schools. Students needing and extra year or more to get ready for adult life. Low class size and teachers who are trained at working with at-risk students. Curriculum that is specific to the needs of these students with a setting and schedule that maximizes success. Does this not make sense!!!!!

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  3. KastendieckNovember 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM

    Alternative education is mandated by the state and checked as to compliance every five years during site visits. Alternative education is funded through At Risk funds, modified allowable growth, and drop out prevention funds. Considering that schools are penalized for not offering the alternative education option and penalized for students not graduation it is a good idea to have the program. Now to consider how much it cost to educate an alternative student compared not to offer the alternative education. Every student comes with a dollar amount that is divided up into pieces for teacher pay, building, supplies, books etc. Now take students who need a seperate facility, small class size, different curriculum, alternative transportation. 4 year old pre-school had a grant process to aid schools in making this great idea of early childhood education a reality (even though the funding was not for everyone and may not be there next year). I wonder if the Alternative Education plan needs financial incentives over and above what is offered at this time.

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  4. KastendieckNovember 22, 2010 at 7:22 PM

    Rethinking the finacial incentive. why? It seems that the more money allocated does not equal a programs success.So what instead. Thinking outside the box and inside the mind. Outside the box is alternative ideas...such as...why do students need to go to school for 12 years,,, why do students have to go to college,.. can you learn more by going to school less? Now inside the mind...how can students be responsible for their own educational needs...What makes a student want to learn...What is learning. Big questions and time to start the discussion...with EVERYONE involved.

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