Do alternative high schools offer self-contained classes or regular classes?

Question

I am deciding to place my daughter in an alternative high school for next year after the recommendation of the school district. My daughter has special needs and is failing regular classes as of now. I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do. According to federal special ed laws IDEA, all children who are in special ed and have an IEP plan are FIRST suppose to be in a regular classroom to get the help they need that is listed on their IEP plan. THEN if child is not improving, they put the child in the self-contained classes. Do alternative high schools offer self-contained classes for students with special needs?

Answer 1

The answer for this depends on the meaning of "alternative" school. My guess is, this is a school that specializes in working with children with needs similiar to your daughter's. Since she has already been in a regular classroom setting and did not do well, a specialized setting would be the next logical step. Now, since this is a high school, there could be a couple of options to choose from. One may be classes set up in a way similar to a traditional high school expereience..changing classes, different teachers for different subjects. She may not change as often, some teachers may teach more than one subject and classes will be substantially smaller than what you might see in regular high school. The other option is totally selfcontained classes, with students staying in the class and working with a single teacher or team of teachers. The best way to find out what type of setting the school is considering for your daughter is to ask. Since she has had difficulties in a tradtional setting (and without knowing what her special needs may be) you can request the least restrictive placement withing that school if such options are available.

Answer 2

They vary. Most have a little actual instruction and are usually for children who have been in trouble. She will be in class with everyone else bc there really is little special services offered. I really would think twice about this. If she is failing, you need to revisit the IEP and see if it is being enforced and if modifications need to be made and also make sure your child is putting out the effort.

Answer 3

I would check out the school carefully before sending her there, and see what actual services are provided. Is this for special needs children, or for troublemakers? Alternative high schools vary a lot. Make sure before you agree to the placement.