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Alternative High Schools - Free Information for Parents
Alternative High Schools - Free Information for Parents
Alternative High Schools - Free Information for Parents
Alternative high schools are often seen as a viable option for parents of struggling or at-risk teens. By definition, alternative high schools are schools that uses a variety of different kinds of approach to teaching other than mainstream or traditional education. There are a lot of different kinds of alternative high schools and their approach varies as a response to the dissatisfaction with some aspects of traditional education.
Generally, modern models of alternative education falls into four major categories:
1. School choice - These are "schools within schools" where public schools have state funding which allows for semi-autonomous classes and programs within the traditional school system. They could also be private initiatives partly funded by the state. An example of public school choice are schools for performing arts or schools that revolve around a certain theme. Such schools can be very helpful for students who show interest or aptitude at a certain skill and would benefit from a more focused environment. Children who show aptitude in music, for example, could benefit greatly from studying in a performing arts school where he/she could be given more opportunities to excel and meet people who are into the same things that they are interested in.
2. Alternative Schools - These are schools that have nontraditional curriculum and methods. In the United States, alternative schools range from schools that offer academic alternatives to schools that are specifically designed for teens with disciplinary challenges. In other words, teens that have special needs and delinquent and out of control teens. The main problem with some of these alternative schools is that they mix teens with learning and behavioral disabilities with delinquents, which could be detrimental to the development of some students.
3. Independent schools - These are private schools which have more flexibility with their educational approach. Under independent schools are those that use experiential education where direct interaction with environment and content is used as the main teaching methodology.
4. Home-based education - Home schooling is one of the most popular alternatives considered by parents who are looking for educational alternatives that can give them more flexibility due to religious, philosophical, or other personal reasons. There are different approaches to home-based education, including "unschoolers" which bases education on interest rather than following a recommended curriculum.
These different approaches to learning could benefit different children who have different interests or issues. If you find that your teen is not responding too well to traditional education and is doing poorly in school, or if your teen is struggling with learning and behavioral challenges, alternative high schools can be helpful. At-risk teens can also benefit from alternative education, as long as you find a program that is suited for his/her needs.
Teens who are struggling with ADHD, for example, need to be in a learning environment where teachers will be more patient with them and will be trained to deal with their special needs. They need to be in an environment where there's structure that is both helpful to them and easy to follow. Teens who are struggling with dyslexia need special kind of attention and instruction, and there are alternative schools that can help with that as well.
Learning what your teen needs and knowing how to respond to those needs take time and effort. Recognizing when mainstream education is not helping your child and making a decision to change that is a good start.
Generally, modern models of alternative education falls into four major categories:
1. School choice - These are "schools within schools" where public schools have state funding which allows for semi-autonomous classes and programs within the traditional school system. They could also be private initiatives partly funded by the state. An example of public school choice are schools for performing arts or schools that revolve around a certain theme. Such schools can be very helpful for students who show interest or aptitude at a certain skill and would benefit from a more focused environment. Children who show aptitude in music, for example, could benefit greatly from studying in a performing arts school where he/she could be given more opportunities to excel and meet people who are into the same things that they are interested in.
2. Alternative Schools - These are schools that have nontraditional curriculum and methods. In the United States, alternative schools range from schools that offer academic alternatives to schools that are specifically designed for teens with disciplinary challenges. In other words, teens that have special needs and delinquent and out of control teens. The main problem with some of these alternative schools is that they mix teens with learning and behavioral disabilities with delinquents, which could be detrimental to the development of some students.
3. Independent schools - These are private schools which have more flexibility with their educational approach. Under independent schools are those that use experiential education where direct interaction with environment and content is used as the main teaching methodology.
4. Home-based education - Home schooling is one of the most popular alternatives considered by parents who are looking for educational alternatives that can give them more flexibility due to religious, philosophical, or other personal reasons. There are different approaches to home-based education, including "unschoolers" which bases education on interest rather than following a recommended curriculum.
These different approaches to learning could benefit different children who have different interests or issues. If you find that your teen is not responding too well to traditional education and is doing poorly in school, or if your teen is struggling with learning and behavioral challenges, alternative high schools can be helpful. At-risk teens can also benefit from alternative education, as long as you find a program that is suited for his/her needs.
Teens who are struggling with ADHD, for example, need to be in a learning environment where teachers will be more patient with them and will be trained to deal with their special needs. They need to be in an environment where there's structure that is both helpful to them and easy to follow. Teens who are struggling with dyslexia need special kind of attention and instruction, and there are alternative schools that can help with that as well.
Learning what your teen needs and knowing how to respond to those needs take time and effort. Recognizing when mainstream education is not helping your child and making a decision to change that is a good start.
