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: $2 million will be available for the 2008-09 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 4, 2008.
Search:
Section 115.366, Wis. Stats.
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