In keeping with the philosophy of Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D., the philosophy of the Alternative Learning Center/Secondary Alternative Center staff is to work systematically as a team to provide an instructional and behavioral program designed to meet the individual needs and abilities of each student placed at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC)/Secondary Alternative Center (SAC). This learning environment will promote the development of independent, responsible, contributing members of our society.

ACADEMIC

To Provide ...

• every student with a stable, equal learning environment through a structured, consistent system of discipline.
• every teacher with an adequate teaching environment and the professional training opportunities and support to carry out their responsibilities properly.
• an educational program ...
• in the required subjects implementing the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills of each course of study.
• adapted to the student's individual learning style that will develop each student's personal knowledge, skills and competencies to the maximum level.
• whereby the student can experience more immediate academic success ultimately raising self-esteem

BEHAVIORAL

To ...

• follow a written behavior management plan that brings philosophy, policy and training into meaningful focus.
• modify behavior through the use of a structured, consistent level system that encourages the student to accept responsibility for his/her actions and make the appropriate changes.
• develop within each student ...
• appropriate decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• acceptable and appropriate social behaviors.
• sufficient changes in behavior and/or attitude to enable student to return to home campus and adapt successfully

GUIDANCE

To ...

• provide intensive counseling and guidance for students with behavior modification as the primary focus, both individually and in groups.
• improve students ability to benefit from the educational programming by addressing current obstacles to their learning.
• encourage and assist student to ...
• examine his/her attitude and/or behavior and strive toward its improvement.
• increase problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• set goals, both academic and personal.
• establish patterns of self-discipline.
• build/rebuild a positive self-concept, positive values and a respect for oneself and others.
• strengthen interpersonal relationships.
• recognize his/her value to society and potential to become a contributing member.
• adapt to a changing environment.

PARENT

To ...

• increase communication between parent and the school.
• provide counseling and guidance to parents which might produce a support system for the student.
• act as a resource in directing parents toward community agencies which can provide appropriate outside assistance when needed.

COMMUNITY

To ...

• lower the drop-out rate.
• provide a school placement for students who otherwise would be unsupervised in the community during the school day.
• create a desire in the student to be a productive contributing member of society.
• provide opportunities for service learning experiences.
• involve community businesses as Partners in Education.