Family & Community Alternative Learning
Alternative Education

Frequently Asked Questions and Promising Practices

Please note that the information provided in this section represents suggestions based on national and state reports, feedback from the field, and Department staff observations. Some of the information in this section is not specifically Department policy; rather it represents current suggestions to consider regarding Alternative Education in Massachusetts.

I. General Questions

1. What is an Alternative Education school or program?
2. What are the goals of Alternative Education?
3. Do all districts have to offer an Alternative Education program or school?
4. What is the relationship between Alternative Education and Special Education services?
5. What models of Alternative Education exist in Massachusetts?
6. What are the benefits of Alternative Education programs/schools?
7. What are the "time on learning" regulations for Alternative Education programs/schools?
8. What should be avoided in Alternative Education programs/schools?
9. Show All General Questions

II. Practices that May Benefit Students, Parents, and the School Community

9. Assessment - promising practices in Alternative Education
10. Climate and organization - promising practices in Alternative Education
11. Community and social services - promising practices in Alternative Education
12. Curriculum - promising practices in Alternative Education
13. Data gathering and evaluation - promising practices in Alternative Education
14. Instructional quality - promising practices in Alternative Education
15. Instructional materials and resources - promising practices in Alternative Education
16. Parents/guardians - promising practices in Alternative Education
17. Personal/social/life skills - promising practices in Alternative Education
18. Student involvement - promising practices in Alternative Education
19. Staff qualifications - promising practices in Alternative Education
20. Student enrollment process - promising practices in Alternative Education
21. Student exit process - promising practices in Alternative Education
22. Show All Practices