I worked at an alternative high school for years, and the differences between my school and a huge city school were like night and day.

A) Smaller class sizes allow a teacher to spend more time with each student, as well better observe all that is going on in a room.

B) Students get more effective counseling, tied into the Individual Education plan.

C) Keeping order is much easier with a smaller group of students.

D) Students who were in trouble with gangs are suddenly removed from that environment, and no longer have to Represent.

E) The students all get to know each other, and will work together on projects more effectively.

F) The teacher isn't making it into November without knowing the names of everyone in the class.

Looking back on my public school days, I can think of about 1000 kids who would have done better at a more intimate alternative school. If I were advising a kid who couldn't cope with the typical school day, I'd definitely steer him/her into Alternative Education.

They do call it "Alternative" for a reason, no?

Learn more about this author, Stacey Monponsett.
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