The Alternative to Suspension (A2S) program addresses the needs of students who exhibit chronic disruptive behavior that interferes with classroom instruction. These students are not a danger to themselves or others. However, decisions they have made violate the district’s Code of Conduct and require removing the students from regular schools for a brief period of time.

The removal period will range from five to 15 days, depending on what was done and the student’s progress within the A2S program.

After finishing the A2S program, students should demonstrate better skills in communication, decision-making and problem-solving. These skills will help students create positive relationships with their peers and adults. Students also should better understand the connection between their own behavior and the positive or negative consequences.

Entering the Program
A panel of teachers and administrators reviews recommendations from principals seeking to assign students to A2S. The panel considers whether school staff has exhausted its own resources to address a student’s academic, social and behavioral needs before the assignment to A2S.

Education
Certified teachers provide classroom instruction in mathematics, language arts and the fine arts in curriculum aligned with state content standards at the student’s instructional level.

Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are supported to complete assignments that are consistent with IEP goals.

Teachers, counselors and other staff meet with students to help them reflect on their behavior and to discuss ways to deal with future conflicts. Student also receive social-skills instruction individually and as a group.

Attendance
Students must attend the A2S program every school day, with no more than one time tardy. Students must participate in classroom activities.

9/22/04

Program Details

The Alternative to Suspension (A2S) Program is  for students in grades 4-12.

In preschool through grade 3, inappropriate behavior by students will be addressed within the school or where deemed appropriate.

Locations

The A2S program operates in two locations:

« Swifton A2S
2825 Alms Place
(former Douglass School)
for grades 4-8
7:45-1:15
See Map/Get Directions

« North Fairmount A2S
2001 Baltimore Avenue, Fairmount
(the old North Fairmount School building)
for grades 9-12
8:30-2:00
See Map/Get Directions