Alternative Programs

As we begin the 21^st century, dropping out of school has especially dire consequences for young people and for society as a whole. Twenty years ago almost 90% of high school dropouts could find regular work. Today only slightly more than a third of young dropouts find full time employment,and only 11% of them are earning more than poverty wages. High school graduates do twice as well, and college graduates fare six times better. Clearly education pays off for students. It therefore makes sense for the sake of the individual student and for the community, to ensure that our young people graduate from high school.

Helping students graduate from Maryland Public Schools is grounded in the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, as well as the state’s Achievement Matters Most, and Bridge to Excellence requirements.

In Focus

From: Mitch Albom, "Tuesdays with Morrie"

Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine?

Maryland believes that dropout prevention means providing all students, K-12 with the academic and social emotional support they need to be successful in school and graduate. Support begins early, with frequent student assessments. A K-12 regimen of comprehensive academic and social emotional services and support is provided consistently, and as necessary throughout a students’ school career.

Each local school system (LSS) in Maryland is required to have a continuum model of prevention and intervention activities and programs, to encourage positive behavior and reduce disruptions in the classroom and school. Alternative programs often serve in this capacity.

The State of Maryland does not proscribe a single, statewide alternative program design. As a consequence local school systems, in order to help all students be successful in school and graduate, have the flexibility to develop an alternative program that is appropriate to the needs of the students in their jurisdiction. As a result, alternative programs in Maryland have a variety of designs and functions. A description of the specific services and interventions provided by the LSS is included in each jurisdiction’s Bridge to Excellence Master Plan, and the annual updates to that plan.

The Coordinator of Dropout Prevention (Graduation Completion) /Alternative Programs in your jurisdiction can provide you with detailed information regarding dropout prevention/alternative programs that are available within your jurisdiction. A link to local Dropout Prevention (Graduation Completion) and Alternative Program coordinators, their phone numbers, and email addresses are provided for your convenience. In addition, a variety of links to related services and organizations are provided for your convenience.

Contact Information

Robert Murphy, Specialist, Dropout Prevention

Maryland State Department of Education

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone:

(410) 767-0305

Fax:	(410) 333-8148

Email:

rmurphy@msde.state.md.us

Local Contacts

	Alternative Education Contacts
	Dropout Prevention Contacts

Publications

	Making A Difference: The Report of the Task Force on Dropout Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery
	Dropout Prevention Report Part 2
	Drop Out Prevention Report Part 3
	Final Report of the Governor's Task Force to Study Alternative Educational Programs for Chronically Disruptive Students - Part 1
	Alternative Education Report Part 2
	Alternative Education Report Part 3
	Alternative Education Report Part 4

Related Sites

	MSDE Report Card
	Free State Challenge (Military Youth Corp) Aberdeen Proving Ground
	Big Brothers and Big Sisters
	Maryland Mentoring Partnerships
	Job Corp - Maryland
	National Dropout Prevention Center
	Southern Regional Educational Board
	Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
	Bridge To Excellence
	GED