George Washington Carver
College and Career Academy
Alternative Education
Not just an alternative, but an opportunity.
As early as 1984, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the establishment of an alternative school for students who were having disciplinary problems. In 1992, the General Assembly mandated that one alternative school be established for each local school district to serve suspended and expelled youth. The Tennessee Department of Education works to help districts ensure that quality alternative learning environments are created for students. The Department coordinates activities of both the Study Council for Alternative Education and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education. Both entities work alongside Department officials to improve alternative education in Tennessee and to serve as an advocate for students and teachers in alternative school settings.
The department, in partnership with the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education and the Tennessee Alternative Education Association, has established the Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education Recognition Program to recognize the efforts of districts who exemplify high-quality alternative education services.
In Partnership with the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education and the Tennessee Alternative Education Association
The exemplary practices for alternative education were adopted in 2008 by the state board to assure high-quality educational services for students served by alternative and nontraditional education programs. The exemplary practices provide a framework for districts to utilize in the development and implementation of a standards-based approach to high-quality alternative education programs, identifies essential characteristics of high-quality programs, and stresses the importance of meeting the educational and social and personal needs of all students.
Currently, several districts offer alternative and nontraditional education programs that meet many, if not all, of the exemplary practices. The department, in partnership with the Governor's Advisory Council for Alternative Education and the Tennessee Alternative Education Association (TAEA), has established the Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education Recognition Program to recognize the efforts of districts who exemplify high-quality alternative education services.
Districts wishing to apply will need to submit the following information:
-
description of the alternative school or program;
-
purpose of the alternative school or program;
-
self-assessment and action plan (please include the date of the last action item to be completed);
-
list of team members to include faculty and staff; and
-
additional information about the school or program, including media, pictures, awards, community service projects, and strategic plans, etc.
Congratulations to George Washington Carver College & Career Academy for receiving Exemplary Status by the TN Department of Education in conjunction with the Governor's Advisory Board for Alternative Education. Only three alternative schools across this state have received this recognition as a model program initiated for the first time this school year. Winners were presented with their awards by Education Commissioner, Dr. Candice McQueen, in a ceremony at the TN Dept. of Education.
Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education Recognition Program
Alternative Education Recognition Program
