CODE: 6172
SECTION: INSTRUCTION
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The West Milford 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.
Disruptive/Disaffected Children
The Board of Education recognizes that the active engagement of each pupil 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 or 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 pupils may be impeded.
In an effort to optimize the educational experience for each child, the Superintendent of Schools shall develop procedures to identify programs to work with disruptive or disaffected pupils.
When it is determined by the Child Study Team that a disruptive/disaffected pupil 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. Consideration shall be given to some other program as an alternative to regular classroom instruction.
Home Schooling
The Board acknowledges the right of parents/guardians to educate their children at home. Parents are requested to provide to the district a signed and notarized affidavit notifying the district of their intention to educate their children at home. This notification will help to avoid any question as to the parents/guardians’ compliance with the compulsory education laws.
Removal for Weapons Offenses or Assault
Any pupil who is convicted or found to be delinquent for the following offenses shall be immediately 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 pupil;
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 shall determine at the end of the year whether the pupil is to return to the district's regular education program, in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner of Education.
Any pupil who assaults a pupil, 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 shall determine when the child shall return to the regular education program.
Potential Dropouts
While statute requires attendance of each pupil only until 16 years of age, it is in the best interests of both pupils and the community that they complete the educational program that will equip them with skills and increase their chances for a successful and fulfilling life beyond the schools.
The Board directs that whenever a pupil wishes to withdraw, or has been identified as a potential withdrawal, effort should be made to determine the underlying reason and the resources of the district should be used to assist the pupil in reaching his/her career goals. No pupil under the age of 18 will be permitted to withdraw without the written consent of a parent/guardian.
The Superintendent shall develop procedures for withdrawal from school which:
Make counseling services available to any pupil who wishes to withdraw;
Make every effort to satisfy the pupil's future educational needs;
Help the pupil define his/her own educational life goals and help plan the realization of those goals;
Inform the pupil of the high school equivalency program;
Point out to the pupil the opportunities available in the armed forces.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000