The application request comes at a time when increasing numbers of West Virginia students are considered at-risk at earlier and earlier ages. Such students can fall behind academically, or be suspended or expelled, or drop out of school unless they get the help they need.
Earlier this year, the West Virginia Legislature passed legislation to establish the alternative educational pilot sites and earmarked $1 million for the project to be distributed on a competitive basis through the state Department of Education. County boards of education may submit proposals until Nov.15.
Submissions must include
-procedures to document student disruptive behavior patterns that lead to eligibility for alternative education services;
-placement procedures that consider individual student academic, behavioral and social needs when designing individualized interventions and supports to help disruptive students be successful;
-procedures that assure disruptive students access to equitable and appropriate academic and behavioral services;
-provisions of comprehensive services that may vary in structure, duration and intensity to meet a continuum of student needs;
-provisions for long-term placements (exceeding 10 school days) that outline procedures for identification, review, and parent permission and/or appeal.