The Alternative to Suspension Program offers districts and charter schools an educational option to provide Free Appropriate Public Education for students who have been removed from their home school campus due to severe or chronic behavioral issues. Students in this program may or may not have an Individualized Education Program.

This alternative program is used instead of an "off-campus suspension," which would otherwise lead to a change in the student's placement. It provides a structured environment where students have limited privileges and must meet daily behavioral expectations before returning to their home school campus.

The duration of the program is determined by district or school administrators and the student's IEP team members. Typically, it is a short-term intervention of nine days or less, unless the team has initiated placement in the Alternative Education program or has scheduled a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team for consideration of an initial evaluation.

Desert Choice Schools collaborates closely with Roosevelt School District to ensure that all IEP and related services are provided during the suspension and that the specified components of the student's Behavior Intervention Plan are implemented.

Our program helps students succeed in school, at home, and in the community by developing responsible decision-making skills and nurturing a real passion for learning. We strongly believe that most students will only need our alternative education program temporarily, usually for 45-60 days on average.

As a result, our staff works every day to improve the functional and academic skills needed for the student to return to the general education environment. The data collected during their time in the Alternative Education program provides valuable information that can be used as part of a Response to Intervention process.

At times, we advise teams to use these supports as diagnostic placements, which can contribute to the pre-referral intervention process and, if appropriate, lead to consideration for special education evaluation in a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team.

The Desert Choice Schools Alternative Education Program supports general education students who have struggled in a traditional academic setting due to social/emotional, behavioral, and/or academic issues. Students typically enroll in the program due to ongoing disruptive behavior stemming from academic challenges or unresolved social/emotional issues.

The program offers a safe and personalized approach to improving each student’s social, adaptive, problem-solving, and academic survival skills to foster growth in these areas. In addition to providing targeted student support, the Alternative Education Program is designed to allow the Local Education Agency to enhance its school climate and culture.

Chronically disruptive students who do not respond to school-based consequences often negatively impact a school’s ability to function effectively. A negative school climate can lead to poor academic performance and unnecessary removals or suspensions.

School administrators can become too focused on disruptive behavior, resulting in processes and systems that prioritize behavior management over student learning. Ultimately, partnering with Desert Choice Schools offers districts and families in need a positive outcomes-based alternative.

Amy L. Houston Transition Services Center
7139 S 10th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042
602-232-4230

Principal
Brian Johnson
Brian.Johnson@desertchoiceschools.com