The Alternative Center for Education (ACE) has been established to provide the optimum teaching/learning environment for all students. The Alternative Center's mission is to provide a non-traditional instructional setting, which provides opportunities to enhance learning and facilitate the acquisition of positive social/school behaviors. It is the goal of this program to help students who have been unsuccessful in the standard school setting to reengage as productive students and complete their education.

The ACE program is designed to serve Boone County residents who attend one of the Boone County middle or high schools in our district. principals must make recommendations to the Central Intervention Committee of their students. The Alternative Center can accommodate middle and high school students, 5 days a week. Attending one of two sessions, morning session (7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) or afternoon session (11:30 - 3:30 p.m.) In addition, students who are of age must participate in a work study program or community service program.

 

PROFILE

The ACE program is designed to serve students who are not growing academically, socially and behaviorally in the regular school setting or disrupts the growth process of others.

The objectives are:

* To provide a program for students that have been repeatedly disruptive and/or have been recommended for a Level IV violation of the Code of Conduct.

* To provide case management to students and their parents to ensure continuity of services directed at increasing the probability of success in school.

* To provide an opportunity for students to obtain an education and develop the social skills necessary to function productively in the school and community.

* To provide an environment which encourages students to develop positive behavior management skills and emphasized the importance of following the rules.

* To provide a nontraditional program with a smaller staff/student ratio (1 to 10) to ensure that students receive the individualized or small group interaction that is necessary for success.

 

CURRICULUM

Students enrolled in the ACE will receive academic instruction based on the Boone County Schools curriculum and the program of studies for Kentucky schools. Special emphasis will be directed toward skill acquisition in the core curricular areas (math, science, language arts, social studies). Individual, small group (cooperative learning) teacher directed student inquiry strategies and computer assisted instruction will be used in lieu of traditional teaching strategies.

High school student academic needs are measured by the GED test which measure; literature, mathematics, science, writing and social studies. The middle school students are measured by JCAT test which measure; reading, mathematics, spelling, language experience and mechanics, vocabulary, as well as placement in science and social studies.

RECOGNITION
Selected model and demonstration site by Kentucky Department of Education, Center for School Safety, and excellent achievement by Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice.  National recognition by National at Risk Conference, NBC television, and KETV features.  Students achieved 80% gain on core academic areas, 50% attendance gain and 80% employment/community service.