Alternative Education Grant

State Discretionary Grant Program

Program Description: 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 created a state discretionary grant program to fund alternative education programs beginning with the 2000-01 school year. In general, the alternative education programs focus on students who meet the statutory definition of being at-risk. A typical list of selection criteria includes poor attendance, failing grades (D/F), family crisis, referred to but did not qualify for special education services, social/emotional/medical issues, free/reduced lunch, below average performance on assessments, discipline problems, drug and alcohol issues, criminal behavior, poor peer relationships, rate high on teacher-generated at-risk profile, retained or being considered for retention, and significant deficiencies in credits.

The styles of alternative education programs include:

• Pull-out - where the student is removed from the traditional education setting and attends the alternative program in either an on-site or off-site setting.
• Off-site - where the entire program is offered at an alternative site (storefront, community center, former school).
• School-within-a-school - the alternative program is held within the school building but in a separate area or set of classrooms.
• Resource room or teacher - where the alternative program consists of a separate room and/or teacher where additional services (study skills, guidance, anger management, small group and individual instruction) are provided to students as needed. Student usage would range from after-school or home room services to multiple hours of instruction.
• Academy or business based programs - where the program is geared toward work and learn type academics. The program may be connected to or actually housed in a business and the students combine academics with applied vocational experiences.
• High school completion programs - where the sole focus is on acquiring the necessary credits and competencies for high school graduation.

Who is Eligible to Apply: Local education agency (LEA), a consortium of LEA and CESA partners. Applications are limited to one per LEA. Currently funded districts are not eligible.

Amount of Funds Available: $1.1 million will be available for the 2009-10 school year. The first three years, the funded programs will receive 100% of the awarded amount, in the fourth and fifth years the programs will receive 60% and 40% respectively.

Application Due Date: Public schools must submit applications by 4:30 p.m. on March 3, 2009.

Beth Lewis Consultant Email: beth.lewis@dpi.wi.gov Phone: 608-267-1062

Judith Stowell Office Operations Associate Email: judith.stowell@dpi.wi.gov Phone: 608-267-9245 or tollfree: 800-768-8886

Program Information	Related Links	Resources
Alternative Education Q&A	Section 115.366, Wis. Stats. Administrative Rule PI 44	Grant Application Form - PI-9710* Grant Fact Sheet Media Site Presentation: 2009-10 Grant/PART 1 2009-10 Grant/PART 2 Using Media Site

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For questions about this information, contact Beth E. Lewis (608) 267-1062

Last updated on 1/21/2009 1:02:27 PM