Alternative Education

Antony Little
Director III, Alternative Education
Little.A@mcs4kids.com
Phn: (209) 574-8194
Fax: (209) 574-8193

Modesto City Schools has a system of programs, special schools, and educational options to provide alternatives to students who are significantly down credits, at-risk of dropping out, who wish to accelerate, who have unique circumstances, or those who for a variety of reasons have not experienced success in the traditional comprehensive structure. The goal is to provide a variety of options to create the conditions for all students to be successful and achieve the goal of a diploma, or success relative to their level of ability in the case of special needs populations.

When considering alternative placement options, the intent is to evaluate the student’s total situation and determine the educational placement that represents the least severe or restrictive environment that will most likely achieve the desired ends and meet the student’s individual needs. Consideration should also be given to the best match of the educational option for a particular student.

Students With Disabilities / Special Needs

Placement of students with disabilities in continuation, alternative, or the other educational schools or programs described must be preceded by the approval of the appropriate Program Manager and formal IEP team meeting. In considering such placement, appropriate interventions, such as behavior plans, and other required special education protocol must be followed.

Interventions

Prior to referral to an alternative school or program, staff at comprehensive schools attempt to employ interventions at the school site to modify a student’s behavior or otherwise attempt to resolve the issue for which the student is being referred. It is understood that in some cases, prior intervention is not possible; however, when possible, interventions are employed and documented. Such interventions may resolve an issue, benefit both the site and student involved, and make a change of placement unnecessary. Examples of possible interventions include, but are not limited to:

  • Meetings with Counselors or Administrators

  • Parent Meetings or Home Visit

  • Referral to Student Assistant Specialist or Mental Health Counselor

  • Outside counseling

  • Summer school/ESS or Tutoring

  • Modify schedule/Enroll in Class.com course

  • SST

  • Principal’s Probationary Contract

  • Testing/Evaluations

  • Community Service/Other Alternative Consequences

  • Migrant Education or ESL Services

  • Truancy Interventions/Site Attendance Review Team (SART) meetings