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6172 Alternative Educational Programs

NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 6172 Northfield, New Jersey X Monitored

Mandated Policy X Other Reasons

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Northfield Board of Education endeavors to provide an educational program adjusted to the needs of the individual child within the financial means of the district. Grouping enables a more efficient use of staff in meeting these needs. Program adaptations provide another means of using staff efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of many children.

When the needs of special individuals or groups cannot be met through adaptation or independent study, the Superintendent of Schools shall investigate and propose to the board for approval alternative programs and facilities. Alternative education programs shall be approved by the Commissioner of Education.

Each alternative education program shall fulfill the program criteria that are specified in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-9.2 including but not limited to:

A. A maximum student-teacher ratio of 10:1 for grades 6, 7 and 8;

B. An Individualized Program Plan (IPP) shall be developed for each general education student enrolled in the program;

C. For students with disabilities the alternate education program shall be consistent with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Home Schooling

The board acknowledges the right of parents/guardians to educate their children at home. At the board’s request, parents/guardians who choose this option shall submit adequate evidence that they are providing a curriculum that is equivalent to that provided by this district.

Disruptive/Disaffected Children

The board of education recognizes that the active engagement of each student is a primary requisite for sound teaching and learning to take place. When a child is unable to benefit from the educational program because he/she is either disruptive or disaffected, then the educational goals of the district for that child will not be realized and the efforts of other students may be impeded.

In an effort to optimize the educational experience for each child, the Superintendent of Schools shall develop procedures to identify and work with disruptive/disaffected students.

When it is determined by the child study team that a disruptive/disaffected student is not classifiable, the board shall consider some other program as an alternative to regular classroom attendance. When the district does not have a suitable alternative program available, the Superintendent of Schools shall recommend to the board placement in a program of another district, or home instruction.

In accordance with state law and board policy, disruptive students whose continuing attendance interrupts the educational program and/or threatens harm to themselves and others may be suspended and considered for expulsion (see policy 5114).

Removal for Weapons Offenses or Assault

Any student who is convicted or found to be delinquent for the following offenses shall be immediately

File Code: 6172 ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (continued)

removed by the principal from the district’s regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year and placed in an alternative education school or program pending a hearing before the board of education to remove the student:

A. Possessing a firearm on any school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function; or

B. Committing a crime while possessing a firearm.

The Superintendent of Schools shall determine at the end of the year whether the student is to return to the district’s regular education program, in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner of Education.

Any student who assaults a student, teacher, administrator, board member, or other district employee with a weapon other than a firearm on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function must be immediately removed from the school’s regular education program and placed in an alternative school or program, pending a hearing before the board. The Superintendent of Schools shall determine when the child shall return to the regular education program.

NJSBA Review/Update: December 2009 Adopted: October 24, 2011

Key Words

Alternative Educational Programs, Home Schooling, Dropouts, Disruptive Students, Disaffected Students, Atrisk Students

Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1 General mandatory powers and duties

  1. 18A:37-1 et seq. Discipline of students See particularly:
  2. 18A:37-2.2
  3. 18A:38-1, -25 Attendance at school free of charge …
  4. 18A:54-20 Powers of board (county vocational schools)
  5. 6A:8-5.1 Graduation requirements
  6. 6A:8-5.2 High school diplomas
  7. 6A:14-1.1 et seq. Special Education
  8. 6A:16-5.5 Removal of students from general education for firearms offense
  9. 6A:16-5.6 Removal of students from general education for assaults with weapons
  10. 6A:16-9.1et seq. Alternative Education Programs
  11. 6A:16-10.1 et seq. Home or Out-of-School Instruction for General Education Students
  12. 6A:30-1.4 Evaluation process for the annual review
  13. 6A:32-13.1 et seq. Student Behavior See particularly:
  14. 6A:32-13.2

State v. Vaughn, 44 N.J. 142, 1965

State v. Massa, 95 N.J. Super. 382, 1967

File Code: 6172 ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (continued)

20 USCA Section 8921 -Gun Free Schools Act

Possible Cross References: *5113 Absences and excuses

*5114 Suspension and expulsion

5119 Transfers

*5131 Conduct/discipline

*5131.7 Weapons and dangerous instruments

*5134 Married/pregnant students

*6142.2 English as a second language; bilingual programs

*6142.12 Career education

*6164.2 Guidance services

*6164.4 Child study team

*6171.4 Special education

*6173 Home instruction

*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.

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