Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1999

Abstract

Alternative educational programs have been in existence for decades in the public school community. They were designed to meet the special needs of students, either for the benefit of the student or the educational atmosphere of their previous program. Many of these programs have been a component of the local district, serving students within that particular district. In 1995, the Illinois General Assembly created a program for disruptive youth. The intent of that program was two-fold in nature. That program, called the Regional Safe Schools Program, was created to serve disruptive youth for their educational benefit, as well as voiding the regular classroom from the educational disruption caused by those students.

A unique element of the Regional Safe Schools Program was that it was centered administratively within the 45 Regional Offices of Education throughout the State of Illinois. Legislative appropriation was allocated to establish those programs in each region according to the needs assessment of that particular region. Grade level parameters, as well as administrative options were given latitude for developmental purposes through the legislation.

While the legislation was passed into law in 1995, most of the regions of the state used the 1995-1996 school year for planning purposes. Implementation of those plans went into effect in the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 school years. With the relative youth of the programs, it was important to assess the various components of the program and with that evaluation, apply the results for the purpose of program improvement. The intent of this study was to collect the data and analyze the results for comparison purposes to improve the Vermilion County program.

All of the Regional Offices of Education were surveyed concerning their programs in the areas of curriculum, assessment of students, behavioral modification programs, and overall success. Eighty-two percent of the surveys were returned indicating many similarities, even taking into consideration the difference in the demographics of each region. Technology was considered a major instructional tool. Programs usually included the use of a behavioral modification program, as well as some related social services. Advancement to the next grade level as the result of completed course work was used as indicators of success.

The data collected as a result of this study were analyzed and demographically compared to the existing program in Vermilion County. Recommendations for improvement to that program were made as a result of the findings and analyses of this study. It was recommended that the Vermilion County Program expand to students who reach age sixteen. It was also recommended to increase the funding for increased training and availability of social services for the students in the program. Ultimately, the evaluation of the Regional Safe Schools Programs rests in the coming years as the success of the students being served in the program will become measured by their contribution to society.

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