Alternative schools are in many districts. Their purpose is to educate students with academic problems. Also, they help students that have behavioral psychological problems. Students with problems are not able to meet the standards of traditional schools.
Alternative schools are not new. They are part of many districts. Therefore, their goal is to keep students from dropping out. The principle behind alternative schools is that every student can learn. Also, all children deserve the opportunity to learn and achieve. Therefore, alternative schooling opportunities accommodate the educational needs of the students that do not fit in a traditional school system.
Nontraditional School
Many students that attend alternative schools are not successful in a typical school. Some consider these schools contain only behavior problem students. This is not the case in many schools. In fact, many of these schools do not have students with behavior issues. If one student is helped, it’s worth it. However, many nontraditional schools lack necessities.
• Alternative schools need funds.
ª They need equal status to regular schools.
• Many kids work better in a smaller group setting.
• However, it does not work for all students.
Schools that do not follow the traditional type change the lives of students that cannot function in regular schools.
Education has changed over the years. Hence, there is a distinct and different approach to teaching in each alternative school. Today’s schools house more students and classrooms are larger. With more students and larger classrooms, drop-out rates change as do bullying and violence.
Signs
There are several signs to look for before the choice of a nontraditional school is made.
• A students hates school. This is a sign that there is a problem. Most children are natural learners. If they claim then don’t like school, there is a reason.
• The child must fit into a particular social group. So, the student relies on shallow means of acceptance rather than values.
• Children come home from school tired and irritable. This is a sign that they did not have their educational needs met. They are not stimulated by the learning.
• Students complain about problems that occur during the day. Conflict resolution and open communication is not part of the daily routine.
• Homework and projects are incomplete and show a lack of interest.
Noticing several of these signs may mean there is a problem. Schools must be energizing. Children are learners at heart. Students must look forward to their years in school. If a student does not fit the traditional school, an alternative school must be considered.
