Purpose
The purpose of the Hamburg Area Alternative Education Program (HAAEP) is to provide a quality educational environment for “at-risk” students. The goal of the program is to always provide the student with the necessary adaptations and tools to adapt to the mainstream classroom in preparation for becoming productive and responsible members of society.

Rationale
R. Morley is quoted:  Alternative education is a perspective, not a procedure or program.  It is based upon the belief that there are many ways to become educated, as well as many types of environments and structures within which this may occur.  Further, it recognizes that all people can be educated and that it is in society’s interest to ensure that all are educated to at least a general high school level.  To accomplish this requires that we provide a variety of structures and environments such that each person can find one that is sufficiently comfortable to facilitate progress.

It is apparent from a study of student behavior, academics, and attendance at the Hamburg Area School District that an additional form of alternative education should be considered for a limited number of our students who are unable to adapt to the mainstream classroom.  In recent years nationally, disruptive behaviors, poor attendance, increased distress due to social, personal or family problems, and placement in more structured settings via court order have been increasing at a substantial rate.

The need for an alternative education program emanates from two main factors.  Number one, the integrity of the regular education program cannot be maintained if certain disruptive or distressed youths are allowed to remain in the mainstream classrooms.  Number two, when the disruptive or distressed youths are removed from the mainstream classroom there are few viable options available to provide meaningful academic instruction, as well as, emotional, social, and behavior intervention.  The HAAEP provides an additional option of alternative education while maintaining the integrity of the regular education program.  HAAEP also helps prevent students from dropping out of school and helps reduce the need for expulsion. 

Pamela Witman
pamwit@hasdhawks.org
610-562-3861, ext.2111