Introduction:
An Overview and a Look at Common Settings

Lou Denti, Ph.D.
Special Education Program
California State University, Monterey Bay

Module Overview
| Understanding | Essential Questions |

Introduction

This module is designed as a resource for college instructors and staff developers who prepare secondary school, special education teachers to work in alternative settings.

The information should also be useful for all teachers who work with students at high-risk for school failure or for dropping out of school.

The focus is on teaching students who are outside the mainstream of education, those who are in shelters, continuation high schools, court supervised community schools, ranches and juvenile halls, state detention facilities, and other difficult settings.

This module consist of six sessions and provides an overview of alternative education, analyzes special education in alternative education environments, and looks at four common settings for youth at risk of school or societal failure. The module examines continuation schools, community day schools, short term detention facilities, and long term detention facilities. It includes pertinent articles, exemplary programs and promising practices to help students and practitioners gain a better understanding of this complex field of study. Reflections and activities directly related to each of the session helps students broaden their thinking about youth that require alternative education.

| Top of Section | Top of Page | Understanding |

Understanding

Alternative education offers youth who struggle to fit into mainstream society a viable opportunity for success. For some youth an alternative school provides a chance to earn school credits, work independently, and hold a job. For others, an alternative educational program is mandatory because of non-delinquent/non-criminal offense (e.g., truancy) or a delinquent/criminal offense (e.g., robbery). Alternative education programs can help youth grow emotionally and become more responsible for their behavior. In this module, teachers will investigate four alternative education settings and promising practices associated with each environment. They will also learn about the interface of special education and alternative education. Special attention is paid to the over-representation of minority youth in juvenile justice institutions.

| Top of Section | Top of Page | Essential Questions |

Essential Questions

What is alternative education?
Why does alternative education provide viable options for youth at risk?
How do we, as a society, define delinquency?
What common settings provide appropriate avenues of support for anti-social and delinquent youth?
If special education is mandatory in alternative education, what services are provided?
What is being done to counteract the over-representation of minority youth in alternative education?
Is long term lock-up the most appropriate response to juvenile criminal activity?
Do you think harsh punishment of youth in locked facilities is warranted?

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