1. Updates from the Field National Alternative Education & Accountability Policy Review Facilitated by Nelson Smith, National Association of Charter School Authorizers Jody Ernst, Momentum Strategy & Research

2. All 50 States’ Policies Reviewed for: 1.How alternative options are defined 2.How “high-risk” students are defined 3.How alternative options are held accountable for student outcomes

3. How Alternative Options are Defined 41 states have statutes and/or regulations that specifically define alternative options  Schools only (12 states)  Programs only (14 states)  Both Schools and programs (15 states)

4. How High Risk Students are Defined Eligible Students# of States Poor Academics (e.g., retained, poor test results, academic failure, behind grade level) 21 Chronic suspensions and/or expulsions20 Prior dropouts, out of school for extended period17 Pregnant/ Parenting Teens15 Problem/Disruptive Behaviors14 Poor, inconsistent attendance/ Chronic Truancy13 Credit deficient/ over-aged and under-credited10 Alcohol or substance issues9 Adjudicated youth/court involvement8 Experienced major trauma, abuse, neglect8 Homeless7 English language learners7 In the foster system/ wards of the court6 Free & reduced meal eligibility6 Parent Characteristics (alcohol, drug abuse, incarceration, etc.)5 Special Education Students (on IEP)5 Green text indicates Support by NACSA AEC Accountability Taskforce

5. Percent of Students Needed to Meet Criteria Other states’ ELIGIBILITY criteria: -Colorado: 95% -South Carolina: 85% -Texas, Nevada: 75% -Arizona and California: 70% -Ohio: 51%* -New Mexico: 20% Of the 41 states with codified definitions for alternative education options eight have a minimum threshold for the proportion of students needed to qualify as an alternative school. Being reevaluated Adopted in last 2 years Tried to move to 75% but was vetoed *Ohio merely states a majority must be prior dropouts.

6. How Alternative Options are Held Accountable Alternative Options Specified Components of Alt Accountability Schools Only (12 states) Programs Only (14 states) Both Schools & Programs (15 States) Alternative accountability present9 states3 states4 states Different weighting of indicators and/or measures4 states0 states2 states Different measures than traditional framework4 states3 states2 states Different benchmarks/comparison groups6 states0 states2 states Emphasis on growth3 states0 states Customizable at school level2 states0 states1 states

7. Takeaways A lot is going on in this area of alternative education – More states are implementing policies that define alternative options – Some states are re-evaluating definitions as well as accountability for alternative schools – There is not a lot consistency in the definitions of alternative options, nor how to hold them accountable

8. WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS? Discussion time