2006-07 alternative education grants awarded

Nine grants for new alternative education programs for the 2006-07 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 in announcing the grants. “Whether students receive more one-on-one instruction, support for family issues, or opportunities to master their studies on-line or service-learning activities, alternative programs can make all the difference for young people who struggle in a traditional school setting.”

The Department of Public Instruction received 21 applications requesting $1.8 million for alternative education grants. The $800,000 allocation for the 2006-07 school year will be split among the nine grants, serving 11 districts, with $30,400 of the first-year grant allocation going to Generac in Waukesha for its Second Chance Youth Apprenticeship Program. Recipients receive 96.2 percent of the five-year grant allocation in the first year, 100 percent in the second and third years, 60 percent funding in the fourth year, and 40 percent funding in year five. The nine new grants make a total of 72 state-funded alternative education programs serving several thousand students in 93 school districts and two cooperative educational service agencies.

The DPI works with school districts to develop programs that help all students be successful. Program ideas include early intervention for at-risk learners, jail or detention-based education, credit acceleration, behavior programs, or services for students who have left school and want an opportunity to come back.

Additional information about alternative education programs can be found on the Department of Public Instruction website at http://dpi.wisconsin.gov/alternativeed/alted.html.

Last updated on 6/12/2006