An Investigation of Alternative Schools in One State: Implications for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Despite the continued growth of inclusive practices, an increasing number of students with disabilities are being served in alternative school settings. However, the number of students served in these settings, and the services they are receiving, remains virtually unexplored. This study reports the results of a survey of alternative schools in one Midwestern state. Particular attention was paid to the participation of students with disabilities in these settings and the services they are receiving. Results indicated that, despite access to valuable supports and services, some students with disabilities placed in alternative settings may be experiencing significant service gaps. Of serious concern is the placement of students who have committed criminal offenses. Implications include a pressing need for data collection and increased advocacy.

Keywords

program evaluation policy and law children at risk accountability

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Center for Learning Excellence. (2006). Ohio alternative education challenge grant program 2006 year-end report. Columbus: Ohio Department of Education.

Charmaz, K. ( 2000). Grounded theory: Objectivist and constructivist methods . In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 509-536). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Current status of alternative education programs in Maine: Impact upon policies and practices for students with disabilities and students considered to be "at risk." (2001). Orono: Maine Department of Education.

Fulerkson, J.A. , Harrison, P.A. , & Hedger, S.A. ( 1999). Alternative schools and area learning centers: 1998 Minnesota student survey. St. Paul: Minnesota State Department of Human Services.

Hadderman, M. ( 2002). Trends and issues: Alternative schools (ERIC Document No. ED473003). Eugene: University of Oregon.

Hosley, N.S. ( 2003). Survey and analysis of alternative education programs . Harrisburg: Center for Rural Pennsylvania .

Katsiyannis, A. , & Williams, B. ( 1998). A national survey of state initiatives on alternative education. Remedial and Special Education, 19, 276-284.

Kleiner, B. , Porch, R. , & Farris, E. ( 2002). Public alternative schools and programs for students at risk of education failure: 2000-2001. Washington, DC : National Center for Education Statistics.

Lange, C.M. , & Sletten, S.J. ( 2002). Alternative education: A brief history and research synthesis. Alexandria, VA: Project FORUM, National Association of State Directors of Education.

10.

Lehr, C. ( 2004). Alternative schools and students with disabilities: Identifying and understanding the issues. Minneapolis : University of Minnesota, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition.

11.

Lehr, C.A. , & Lange, C.M. ( 2003). Alternative schools serving students with and without disabilities: What are the current issues and challenges? Preventing School Failure, 47(2), 59-65.

12.

Lehr, C.A. , Moreau, R.A. , Lange, C.M. , & Lanners, E.J. ( 2004). Alternative schools: Findings from a national survey of the states. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration.

13.

Leone, P.E. , & Cutting, C.A. ( 2004). Appropriate education, juvenile corrections, and No Child Left Behind. Behavioral Disorders, 29, 260-265.

14.

Martin, E.J. , Tobin, T.J. , & Sugai, G.M. ( 2002). Current information on dropout prevention: Ideas from practitioners and the literature. Preventing School Failure , 47(1), 10-17.

15.

Quinn, M.M. , Poirier, J.M. , Faller, S.E. , Gable, R.A. , & Tonelson, S.W. (2006). An examination of school climate in effective alternative programs. Preventing School Failure, 51(1), 11-17.

16.

Rutherford, R.B., Jr. , & Magee Quinn, M. (1999). Special education in alternative education programs. Clearing House, 73(2), 79-81.

17.

Unruh, D. , Bullis, M. , Todis, B. , Waintrup, M. , & Atkins, T. ( 2007). Programs and practices for special education students in alternative education settings. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition .

18.

Zigmond, N. ( 2003). Searching for the most effective service delivery model for students with learning disabilities. In S. Graham (Ed.), Handbook of learning disabilities (pp. 110-122). New York: Guilford.