Collaborative Alternative School Programs
Collaborative Alternative High School (CAS)
The Collaborative Alternative High School services children grades 9-12 up to the age of 22. Often, students who attend an alternative school have not been successful in a traditional public education setting. The alternative school is a second chance for many students to get a high school education.
Students are referred to CAS by their home school district and must go through an interview process to be accepted. Parents, guardians, or adults that are significant in a student’s life must be part of the interview process. Approval from the sending school district is required if a student is to be enrolled in the alternative high school.
Once accepted, each student receives instruction in 4 core curriculum areas (Math, Science, English and Social Studies), physical education and a selection of electives. Culinary arts, desktop publishing, music and art are just some of the exciting electives offered at CAS. All subjects meet the standards set forth by the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. Academic instruction is individualized so that each student can learn at his/her own pace with the goal of returning to his or her sending school and attaining a high school diploma. Credits are coordinated with respective high schools. Students must meet the high school graduation requirements set by the sending school district as the sending districts issue the high school diplomas. Vocational instruction is offered in food service preparation and Culinary Arts. Physical education classes include ice hockey, weightlifting, basketball, softball, fencing and various noncompetitive games. Work-study opportunities are available when the student’s academic requirements are on track or if required by the student’s Individual Education Program.
It is important to note that CAS also helps students plan for a career and the world of work. We recognize that students learn better when learning is real and connected to real life experiences. Opportunities are provided for students to develop community and social responsibility. Students learn through career exploration, on-the-job training and in-house vocational opportunities. Students in the 11th and 12th grade participate in a transitional group. This group encourages students to develop marketable skills and provides assistance with resumes, job applications and interview skills.
Collaborative Alternative Middle School
Our middle school services children in grades 6 to 8. The middle school provides a core of academic instruction, electives, counseling and behavioral expectations that are age appropriate for the middle school child.
Therapeutic Services
Our therapeutic program includes individual and group therapies provided by our staff of licensed therapists, as well as a strong art therapy component. Life space counseling is available throughout the day for any students in need. Third party mediation is available to help students solve interpersonal problems with peers and adults. All counseling and therapy is designed to assist each student to develop effective coping mechanisms to function successfully in school and in society at large
PIVOT
PIVOT is a short-term diagnostic assessment program run by our licesced therapists (up to 45 days) for at risk middle and high school aged students. This program provides the students with academic support and counseling to help the sending school district determine appropriate services. Teacher observations and a battery of instruments are used to provide the sending school district with a picture of the services and supports required to help the student be successful in school.
IAES
Our Interim Alternative Education Setting program provides temporary academic support services and counseling to students who must be excluded from their school community. This program is used for mandated suspensions or respite reasons. Students are immersed in our school. No evaluations are performed.
Culinary Arts Program
At CAS the Culinary Arts Program is designed to engage students in a hands-on work setting which places a strong emphasis on employability skills. This program allows students the opportunity to explore possible career choices within the food service industry. Students are instructed in the importance of health & safety, nutrition, culinary procedures, cooking methods, cuisines and food service operations. The Gourmet Café daily specials are a culinary treat prepared and served by our students and enjoyed by all.
Summer Rules Program
The Summer Rules Program is a non-traditional, six-week experiential learning program. It was devised to aid students who struggle in the traditional classroom setting and help them learn through hands-on experience. Students learn through their experiences and have opportunities to reflect and process these direct experiences. Students are challenged academically, physically and emotionally as they visit various New England attractions, historical sites and parks. They earn 0.25 credits in English, Math, Science and Social Studies by completing required assignments for each expedition. Students increase skills such as: problem solving, leadership and teamwork while developing self-concept, self-confidence and acceptable social values. The Summer Rules Program allows each student to be seen as an individual and be celebrated for his or her strengths.
“ I like the summer program because I can see what it is I am learning about, my ideas and thoughts are respected, and it is fun.” ~ CAS student.
Page Last modified: September 28 2011 14:55:22.