State report outlines ways to improve alternative schools

By Angie Herrington Staff Writer

    Directors of alternative schools in Southeast Tennessee said they are encouraged by a new state report that recommends improving curriculum, increasing funding and reducing the dropout rate.

    School systems across the state were surveyed last year and 16 received visits by researchers from the state Comptroller ’s Office of Education Accountability, according to the report.

    "Only positive outcomes will be the result of this state investigation," said Cliff Eason, principal of Cleveland City Schools Teen Learning Center . "Funding is at the root of so many issues and concerns that we encounter."

    The General Assembly authorized the report last year.     It spells out ways for state lawmakers and educators to improve alternative school programs, which mostly serve middle and high school-age children with behavior and discipline problems.

    John Gunn, president of the Tennessee Alternative Educators Association, said he likes the report’s advice to lawmakers to visit alternative schools, talk to educators and improve professional development opportunities for staff.

    Mr. Gunn said the problem with alternative school education right now is it varies greatly from county to county because of staffing and funding.     Many people forget that the functions of alternative school include dropout prevention and providing students with counseling and other services they may need, he said.

    "We feel like there are a lot of kids who are falling through the cracks, and alternative education is one of many ways we can reach those kids," he said.

    Russell Moore, co-author of the report, said the study found less than a third of the state’s alternative school programs consistently offered support services such as group therapy. More than 10 percent said they rarely provide those services, he said.

    Toby Wilson, alternative school director for Marion County Schools, said she tries to remind students that they may have gotten into trouble, but they still can be successful in life.

    "I think it (alternative school programs) is an area that needs to be looked at because I feel like these students are overlooked by the state," she said. "It’s an attitude of, ‘Let’s push them away and let’s hide them.’"     E-mail Angie Herrington at aherrington@timesfreepress.com