West Fargo High School

Senior High Alternative Center (SHAC)

Alternative Program at West Fargo High School

This program is developed for at-risk students. It will provide a place to be successful with the critical support that is needed outside of the current system at West Fargo High School. This program will have set criteria to ensure students are a match for the expectations and outcomes of the program. The following model will be utilized:

Starting Date: Begin at the start of the 2008-09 school year.

Location: The ‘home’ room for the program will be in 224H.

Schedule: Students will have a school day that directly aligns to their needs. A Personalized Education Plan (PEP) will be developed for each student.

Coursework: Students will take three courses within the typical high school schedule. Students will also take classes on-line from Jefferson County Schools. Career development and social skills will be offered. Students who obtain and maintain a job will be allowed to leave for specified hours depending on their Personalized Education Plan.

Number of Students: The number of students allowed in the program will be decided by the Intervention Team. The consensus at this time is that it will accommodate a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 students.

Purpose: The program intends to meet the needs of students who are at-risk for dropping out. The focus is on creating a flexible schedule and a duo pathway for students to earn credits and graduate on time. There may be circumstances whereby this program will place students on a path to graduate in five years. The program will seek to utilize a student’s current support network (i.e. peers and adults) while individualizing their learning needs by allowing them to stay within the high school setting.

Level System Continuum: In this program, the student has the control to advance to a higher level through behaviors they choose to demonstrate. Certain rewards and privileges will be earned as a student progresses through the various levels.

Criteria: The following criteria will be utilized for entrance into the program:

Attendance problems
Failed multiple classes
Credit deficient (two + behind based on average of 5/semester)
MAP scores
Cumulative file review
Outside agency communication
Intervention Team screening
Parent Information
Teacher Information
Probationary period linked to attendance on independent study course work

Miscellaneous: Students in this program would have monthly meetings with their parents to review their Personalized Education Plan.

Additional Information: