Imagine that you have been asked to serve on the advisory board for a new, alternative school program in your school district. The advisory board must specify the factors that will be considered in determining which students qualify for the program and they must create a plan that can be presented to the school board for approval and potenial implementation at the beginning of the school year two years from now. Because you do not have the resources to serve an entire at-risk population, how will you focus your resources to create the greatest impact for your community?

This site may help you research this assignment.

http://www.iser.com/resources/alternative-schools.html

To focus your resources and create the greatest impact for your community in determining which students qualify for the new alternative school program, you’ll need to consider several factors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach this task:

1. Define the Goals: Start by clearly defining the goals of the alternative school program. Determine what outcomes you want to achieve and the specific needs the program aims to address in the community. This will help guide your decision-making process.

2. Identify Target Population: Given that you don't have resources to serve the entire at-risk population, you'll need to identify a target population. Consider factors such as academic challenges, behavioral issues, limited resources, disadvantaged backgrounds, or specific risk factors. Aim to include individuals who would benefit the most from the program's specialized support.

3. Analyze Data: Gather and analyze relevant data to identify the students who meet the criteria for the target population. Review academic records, behavioral assessments, standardized test scores, attendance records, and other available information. This data will help you understand the extent of the need and prioritize accordingly.

4. Establish Selection Criteria: Based on the data analysis and in consultation with educators, counselors, and other educational professionals, establish clear and objective selection criteria. These can include a combination of academic performance, behavior, social-emotional needs, family background, and risk factors. Ensure the criteria align with the program's goals and objectives.

5. Develop a Scoring System: Create a scoring system to objectively evaluate each student's eligibility based on the established selection criteria. Assign weights to different factors based on their importance and assign scores accordingly. This system will help standardize the decision-making process and minimize subjectivity.

6. Set a Threshold: Define a threshold or cutoff point in the scoring system to determine which students are eligible for the program. This threshold should allow for a reasonable number of students to be selected within the available resources while maintaining the integrity of the program.

7. Collaboration and Review: Consult with stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and students themselves, to gather their input and ensure a comprehensive perspective. Seek their feedback on the selection criteria and scoring system to ensure fairness, equity, and representation.

8. Lock in the Plan: Once the advisory board has reached a consensus on the key factors and the selection process, finalize the plan. Document all the criteria, scoring systems, and decision-making processes in a clear and concise manner. This plan will serve as a proposal to be presented to the school board for approval and potential implementation.

9. Proposal Presentation: Present the plan to the school board, highlighting the goals, target population, selection criteria, and the rationale behind them. Emphasize the potential impact the program can have on the community and provide data and evidence to support your proposal. Be prepared to address any questions or concerns from the school board.

10. Implementation Timeline: Lastly, outline a realistic timeline for the implementation of the alternative school program. Consider factors such as staff recruitment and training, facility requirements, curriculum development, and community engagement. Aim to implement the program at the beginning of the school year two years from now, keeping in mind the necessary preparation time.

Remember, the key is to establish a fair, transparent, and data-driven system that aligns with the program's goals and objectives. By effectively allocating resources and focusing on the students who would benefit the most, you can create a significant impact within your community.