Alternative school definition and vision

1.     Definition and vision of an ideal alternative education program:

An alternative school is an educational setting designed to accommodate educational, and behavioral needs of children and adolescents that cannot be adequately addressed in a traditional school envirorenment.

In my opinion, my vision of an ideal alternative education program is the one that fosters effective programs and interventions that will allow the emotional, social and behavioral growth of the students. Being those programs and interventions research based they must be validated also. The implementation of these programs must help to build upon not only the students, but also the family’s strengths. The programs also establish a safe and positive environment that creates a sense of empowerment and value for the students. Instructions must be very active, engaging and use very relevant material, that is related to their real worlds. It has been proven by research that students who are highly engaged in relevant instructional activities and these are aligned to their level of interest, are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior. We must place a priority to these kinds of activities, using effective and meaningful instruction. It is of paramount importance to make connections between students’ learning and their real worlds. It is also very important to focus on building students’ self esteem and enhancing social skills.