Non-Building Based Learning – Level 3

Alternative/Community Schools

How are we partnering with alternative and community schools in planning to afford students meaningful opportunities and experiences?

Are Alternative Schools or Community Schools at the table with the local school districts?

Communication is imperative to success.  Are the alternative and community school leaders at the table with the local district leaders?  If not, could they be “debriefed” by the ESC superintendent as far as county plans for education, attendance, etc.  

If the alternative school is a placement with the student still linked to the home school district, what tools do you use to share information with the home school?

SWIS Suite (the SWIS Suite is a reliable, confidential, web-based information system to collect, summarize, and use student behavior data for decision making). Reports can be shared with the district.

A student information system (ie. Progress Book) allows the alternative school to share attendance, grades, progress etc with the home district.

Have professional development opportunities been shared with the community schools and/or alternative schools?

Local districts as well as community and alternative schools were forced to think quickly to develop blended learning during the pandemic.  One company, Future Ed Solutions, has partnered with many schools and are now offering professional development specific to preparing and implementing online learning.  The overview can be found at this link:  Introduction to PD Videos

Are the community/alternative schools included in the Business Advisory Council?

Many ESCs operate a Business Advisory Council for their local districts.  Is the information shared to the community school or alternative school?  Any information or activities that are developed through that council can be shared and provide an avenue of resources for either entity. 

• OESCA Memo on BAC’s and Draft Resolution

• ODE-Issued BAC Standards

• BAC Guidance to Districts (ODE)