Twenty-four alternative education grants awarded for 2008-09 school year

Twenty-four grants for new alternative education programs for the 2008-09 school year will help at-risk students stay in school and progress toward graduation.

"Students bring a variety of needs to school," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "These alternative education grants make all the difference for young people who struggle in a traditional school setting and need another opportunity or a different avenue to achieve academic success."

The Department of Public Instruction works with school districts to develop programs that help all students be successful. Alternative education program ideas include early intervention for at-risk learners, credit acceleration, behavior programs, or services for students who have left school entirely and want an opportunity to come back and graduate.

For this year's competitive grant program, the DPI received 43 applications requesting almost $4 million for alternative education grants. The $1,800,000 allocation for the 2008-09 school year will be split among the 24 grants, serving 29 school districts and one Cooperative Educational Service Agency. Grants are for five years. Recipients receive 100 percent of the allocation in the first three years, 60 percent funding in the fourth year, and 40 percent funding in year five. The 24 new grants make a total of 165 state-funded alternative education programs serving several thousand students statewide. The Legislature first approved funding for alternative education grants in 2000, with each year's allocation totaling $5 million.

"Alternative education programs reach students through innovative curriculum and instruction. Each time an alternative education student achieves success, we learn more about which strategies are effective and can use that information to improve learning opportunities for all children," Burmaster said. "Our New Wisconsin Promise ensures a quality education for every child, and alternative education programs must be part of Wisconsin's overall educational mix."

A list of grant recipients is available in the complete news release.

Additional information about alternative education programs can be found on the Department of Public Instruction Alternative Education website.

Last updated on 5/14/2008 4:47:39 PM