Middle Level Alternative Program

 

Description of the MLAP Program:

• The Middle Level Alternative Program is an alternative program for students in grades 7-10 and under the age of sixteen.  The MLAP program is an innovative academic and behaviorally monitored program, which provides students with an opportunity for more direct instruction and individual attention.  Average classroom size is 10 students.  The program is designed to meet the personal needs of the students who are identified as having difficulties succeeding through traditional teaching methods in large classroom settings.  The purpose of this program is to improve academic skills, to appeal to varied learning styles, to improve social skills, and to help students develop their own intervention strategies.  Daily attendance and individual participation is required.  MLAP is made up of scheduled classes, Monday – Friday, using diverse and “hands-on” curricula.

  Parent Involvement:

• Parents/Guardians are involved from the very beginning of the referral process.  They visit with our school administrator to find out what our school offers programmatically and to tour our site.  Parents are kept aware of their child’s progress through weekly reports and biannual parent/teacher conferences.  The students’ home base teacher also makes periodic phone calls home.  Parents are also involved in re-entry meetings with an ALC administrator when necessary.  Parents are an integral part of problem solving as it pertains to their child’s progress both in and out of school.

Entrance Criteria:
Referral to MLAP is based on the following characteristics:

• Student must exhibit significant behavioral or academic needs
• Student may have expressed feelings of not belonging
• Student may be behind on course work
• Student may have a history of non-attendance
• Student may have self esteem issues
• Student may have health concerns
• Student may have inadequate basic skills
• Student may have issues that interfere with educational progress

  Program Schedule:

• A student’s day begins in a home base setting, where attendance and lunch counts are addressed.  The home base group attends all of their core subjects together, (i.e. math, language arts, social studies, and science.)  Students attend core classes in the morning and electives in the afternoon.  Included in a student’s schedule are electives that include exploration, activities, art, and physical education.

  Exit Criteria:

• We work closely with students and their families to reach their educational goals.  If students choose to remain in our alternative setting, they may do so through graduation.  If the goal is to return to their mainstream schools, they need to address the issues that led to the initial referral – (attendance, credit deficits, etc..)