This guide is designed as a reference for District and School personnel working with English learners (ELs). The content of the guide represents a compilation of information, examples, and resources. This guide is a living document and subject to frequent updates. It is recommended to review the document online rather than printing a hard copy.

Alternative high schools have an important place in our educational system, since exellence in education must mean more than improving the abilities of those who are succeeding in our present school environment. A list of suggestions (nine "dos" and four "don'ts") are offered for consideration before establishing such a school. (MCG)

The third component of a series on career education examines the issues that affect secondary programs for exceptional students and offers recommendations to assist professionals in program planning. An initial section considers the advantages and disadvantages of special education work experience, vocational education, cooperative education,…

Suggests guidelines for establishing a secondary school experiential program in the areas of assessing school and student needs, setting goals and devising plans to meet the goals, planning for necessary resources (time, energy, finances, supplies), and selling the program to administrators and teachers. (NEC)

Identifies ingredients necessary for successfully developing programs which use innovative modes to achieve progressive institutional goals. Outlines the process of program development (i.e., identify target group; conduct needs assessment; develop knowledge base; examine limitations; review existing delivery systems; and design, field-test, and…

Reviews current efforts in the movement for providing parents and students school selection choices. Benefits resulting from school choice include: dropout reduction, increased achievement, more parental involvement, racial integration, and improved morale. Outlines the features of a desirable choice plan and the prospects for development of…

Risks are taken in establishing alternative school programs but they can be minimized by giving the proper attention to several critical factors. (Author)

Takes the reader step-by-step through the sequence of events required to develop an alternative educational program. (Author/JM)

This report is a general guide for people planning a charter school. In September 1995 the Program on Reinventing Public Education, a collaborative effort of the University of Washington's Institute for Public Policy and Management and the RAND Institute for Education and Training, sponsored a workshop on charter school startup. This report…

This publication discusses definitions of alternative education, outlines common program features, and lists challenges to providing quality services. The paper focuses on alternatives for students who are at risk for school failure, dropout, or delinquency. Since few studies on the effectiveness of alternative programs have been conducted and…

With regard to alternative instruction planning, presents considerations which are logistical (e.g., equipment, location, variety, and production), practical (e.g., students' backgrounds and attention spans, ease of use, sequence, and cost), and contextual (e.g., suitability, visualness, and school requirements). (DMM)

This paper discusses the instruction of adult performance outcomes and life skills in classes for students with mental disabilities. Basic considerations in teaching life skills include teaching for lifelong learning, teaching for relevancy, and teaching beyond textbooks and classrooms. Several strategies have contributed to the success of…

Research has shown mentoring to be a powerful alternative education and dropout prevention strategy for students at risk. This book is designed to help teachers, school administrators, case managers in the juvenile justice system, and others who work with at-risk students develop mentoring programs. Chapter 1, "Teachers Can Restructure Education…

Outcomes of a series of meetings held in 1990 by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) Roundtable on Public School Choice are summarized in this document's six chapters. Chapter 1 discusses the components (including motivations, vision formation, leadership, the design process, and the types of choice available) involved in…

Offering an educational program through a corporation enables an institution to recruit a large number of new, previously unserved students at one time. A program that helps New Jersey state employees earn degrees at Thomas A. Edison State College is described. (MLW)