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Alternative Education Models and Strategies
Alternative Education Models and Strategies
ALTERNATIVE
EDUCATION
MODELS AND
STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
While traditional K-12 education meets the needs of most students, 64% of
school districts across the nation offer at least one alternative school or program
designed to “address the needs of students that typically cannot be met in regular
schools.” Alternative education encompasses any non-traditional educational
activity, and most commonly serves middle or high school students. Alternative
education delivery can occur within traditional schools or at separate sites.
The three most common alternative education models are:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Contributions to this publication were made by the following Hanoverians:
Chief Content Officer: Anil Prahlad
Project Leads: Leila Nuland, Meagan Gregory
Contributors: Laura Baker, Kristen Campbell, Rachel Dotter, Michael Leshner
Editorial Team: Amanda Lockhart, Erin Morris, Jamal Russell-Black, Jordan Wells
Designed by: Johanna Mora, Louisa Smith
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
03 INTRODUCTION
04 CHARTER SCHOOLS
05 MAGNET SCHOOLS
07 SCHOOL-WITHIN-A-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
08 RESOURCE PROGRAMS
Career and CTE programs blend rigorous • Typically high Positive Findings. Research
Technical academics with career school, and suggests that participation
Education (CTE) preparation to prepare occasionally in a CTE program improves
Programs students for college and/or middle school graduation rates for at-risk
careers. students students.
MAGNET SCHOOLS
A magnet school or program is “designed to attract students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds for the
purpose of reducing, preventing, or eliminating racial isolation; and/or to provide an academic or social
focus on a particular theme (e.g., science/math, performing arts, gifted/talented, or foreign language).” A
single district or group of districts may operate a magnet school. Similar to the charter school system,
students may apply to attend magnet schools, which are part of the public education system.
Research suggests that magnet schools may improve behavioral outcomes; however, findings are mixed
as to their effects on student achievement. Some studies have found an association between magnet
school attendance and positive effects on student achievement, student body diversity, graduation rates,
and students’ attitudes and behavior. However, o t h e r s t u d i e s f i n d t h a t , w h i l e m a g n e t s c h o o l s
m ay i m p r o v e b e h av i o ra l o u t c o m e s , t h e y h av e n o e f f e c t o n a c h i e v e m e n t .
schools and centers—vary widely in purpose, student subgroups served, curriculum, and setting. While some
alternative schools may aim to prepare students to return to their regular schools, many provide a permanent
alternative route to graduation. Alternative school models that support students who are at-risk of dropping
out include residential school, summer school, second-chance school, and early college high schools.
Research indicates that alternative high schools for at-risk students can increase graduation rates.
On average, alternative schools result in a 15.5 percent increase in graduation rates for at-risk students.
However, the design and implementation of alternative high schools for at-risk students can vary widely,
which impacts their effectiveness. Poor attendance rates and inadequate staffing and high turnover, for
example, may negatively affect student outcomes.
SCHOOL-WITHIN-A-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
School-within-a-school programs may serve a variety of students, including those with
emotional and behavioral issues and/or who are at risk of not graduating. A school-within-
a-school program is unit or learning community within a traditional school that focuses on a particular
learning area or style. Students participating in a school-within-a-school may take classes only in the
program or in addition to mainstream classes. Districts may deliver CTE through a school-within-a-school
model rather than a separate site model, which may provide increased access and convenience.
Career academies are a common type of school-within-a-school program originally intended to support
high school students who are at risk of dropping out. Some research suggests that career academies
may improve graduation rates and post-secondary outcomes. A study that meets The What Works
Clearinghouse’s rigorous quality standards suggests that career academies may have a positive effect on
completing high school. Other evidence suggests that career academies can raise future earnings and may
increase the likelihood of completing complete college-required coursework.
RESOURCE PROGRAMS
Students may also participate in an alternative education program based in a resource room.
This program model parallels the special education “pull-out” model where students receive
support in an individual or small group setting for part of the day in a separate room. Programs based in
resource rooms may address a variety of students’ cognitive, behavioral, and social needs, as well as provide
counseling supports. A meta-analysis of research on school-based interventions to address aggressive and
disruptive behavior—many of which involve “pulled-out” small-group or individual supports—indicates that this
model can be effective in improving behavioral outcomes, especially when interventions are well-implemented
and target higher-risk students.
Vision
YES NO Does the alternative school or program have a clear vision statement, purpose, and objective?
Results Orientation
YES NO Does the alternative school or program use data to monitor student progress and develop goals?
Strategic Financing
YES NO Does the alternative school or program have adequate funding sources?
Adaptability
Is the alternative school or program able to adapt to changes in its community,
YES NO
financial situation, and education policies?
Internal Systems
Does the alternative school or program have established internal processes
YES NO
in the areas of finance, human resources, information technology, and communication?
Sustainability plan
YES NO Does the alternative school or program have stated goals and a plan to meet those goals?
Diversity
YES NO Do student selection efforts promote equal access for all students?
YES NO Do district and school policies and activities promote the integration of a wide variety of students?
Innovative Curriculum and professional development
YES NO Are all activities aligned to the alternative school or program’s purpose?
YES NO Is time dedicated to job-embedded training and collaborative planning?
Academic Excellence
Does instruction involve collaboration among students, formative assessment, and
YES NO
multiple intervention levels?
YES NO Is there evidence of improved student academic performance?
High Quality Instructional Systems
YES NO Does the alternative school or program’s leadership recognize exceptional teachers?
YES NO Are teachers provided adequate professional development and support?
YES NO Does the district or school support the alternative school or program in terms of resources and decision-making?
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