Adopted:                              	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 605
				Orig. 1999
Revised:                               	Rev. 1999

605	ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

I.	PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to recognize the need for alternative education programs for some school district students.

II.	GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The school board recognizes the importance of alternative program options for some students.  Circumstances may be such that some students are put at risk of being able to continue or to complete their education programs.  It is the policy of the school board that options shall be made available for some students to select educational alternatives that will enhance their opportunity to complete their education programs, recognizing that some students may become successful learners if given an opportunity to learn in a different environment and through a different learning style.

III.	RESPONSIBILITY

A.	It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to identify alternative program opportunities to be made available to students who may be at risk, to recommend such alternative programs to the school board for approval, and to familiarize students and parents with the availability of such alternative programs.  The superintendent shall, through cooperative efforts with other schools, agencies, and organizations, periodically recommend additional or modified alternative educational programs to the school board.

B.	The superintendent shall have discretionary authority to develop guidelines and directives to implement school board policy relating to alternative programs. 

Legal References:	Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 8 (Compulsory Instruction)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.41, Subd. 11 (Definitions – Alternative Educational Services)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.45, Subd. 1 (Grounds for Dismissal)
Minn. Stat. § 123A.06 (State-Approved Alternative Programs and Services)
Minn. Stat. § 124D.66 (Assurance of Mastery Programs)
Minn. Stat. § 124D.68 (Graduation Incentives Programs) 
Minn. Stat. § 124D.74 (American Indian Language and Cultural Educational Programs)
Minn. Stat. § 125A.50 (Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services)

Cross References:	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 603 (Curriculum Development)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum)