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 **Policy IHBI\\
 Alternative Learning Plans\\
-School Board Approved: June 18, 2018**
+Board Approved:  August 18, 2025**
-**Purpose**
+**A. Purpose**\\
-In an effort to reduce the number of students who do not complete the requirements to graduate from high school and earn a diploma, the Board establishes a program for alternative learning plans for students to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. The District, through an Alternative Learning Plan team comprised of teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors, are directed to identify students who may be at risk for dropping out of high school, for developing alternative learning plans consistent with this policy, and for assisting students who are participating in alternative learning plans.
+Alternative learning plans are designed to address the needs of individual learners or groups of learners that might be different from the needs of the general learner population and includes delivery of learning opportunities through individualization, personalization and differentiated methods.  Such plans may be designed for learners who might otherwise be at risk for dropping out of school, or who require a more rigorous course of studies than otherwise offered by the District.  The District, through its teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors, will endeavor to identify learners who may be at risk of dropping out of high school, or who may otherwise benefit from an alternative learning plan or program.\\
+Alternative learning programs and plans under this policy may include, but are not limited to, independent study, extended learning opportunities (ELOs), independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, remote learning, or other opportunities by the Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with Board policies. If such a plan or program requires special expenditures the Superintendent will present the plan to the School Board for approval.\\
-Alternative learning plans may include, but are not limited to, extended learning opportunities, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with Board policies.
+The purposes of alternative learning plans are to provide learners with educational experiences that are meaningful, to provide learners with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels, and to meet State and District requirements to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. In order to maximize learner achievement, this policy permits learners to employ alternative learning plans that fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable Board policy.\\
-The purposes of alternative learning plans are to provide students with educational experiences that are meaningful, to provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels, and to meet State and District requirements to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. In order to maximize student achievement, this policy permits students to employ alternative learning plans that fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable Board policy.
+Alternative learning plans may include extended learning opportunities taken to achieve competencies and earn full or partial credits, or taken to supplement regular academic courses. If the alternative learning plan includes extended learning opportunities to achieve identified competencies and earn full or partial high school credits, the provisions of Board policies [[ik_earning_of_credit|IK]] and [[ihbh_extended_learning_opportunities|IHBH]], Extended Learning Opportunities, will apply.\\
-Alternative learning plans may include extended learning opportunities taken for credit or taken to supplement regular academic courses. If the alternative learning plan includes extended learning opportunities taken for credit, the provisions of Policies IMBC, Alternative Credit Options and IHBH, Extended Learning Opportunities, will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student's mastery of course learning goals, as defined by Policies ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs and ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments. Highly Qualified Teachers and the Administration must authorize the granting of credit for learning accomplished through extended learning opportunities. If credit is not granted, the extended learning opportunity may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for other courses.
+**__B.  Roles and Responsibilities__**\\
-**Roles and Responsibilities**
+Alternative learning plan components shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the State minimum standards and District curriculum and competency standards. All alternative learning plans will comply with applicable laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations governing occupational safety.\\
-Alternative learning plan components shall have specific instructional objectives aligned with the State minimum standards and District curriculum standards. All alternative learning plans will comply with applicable laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations governing occupational safety.
+Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Administrators should inform learners of the District's promotion of alternative learning plans and similar programs. District employees who believe a learner may be at risk for dropping out of high school, or who would otherwise benefit from an alternative learning plan/program, should inform either the Principal or the Guidance Counselor of the employee's concerns. The Principal will then schedule a meeting with the learner, the Principal, the Guidance Counselor, and the learner's parent/guardian to discuss the learner's participation in an alternative learning program. Students expressing interest in pursuing such a plan or program should be referred to the Guidance Counselor, Principal, or the Principal's designee.\\
-Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Administrators should inform students of the District's promotion of alternative learning plans and similar programs. District employees who believe a student may be at risk for dropping out of high school should inform either the Administration or the Guidance Counselor of the Teacher's concerns. The Administration will then schedule a meeting with the student, the Administration, the Guidance Counselor, and the student's parent/guardian to discuss the student's participation in an alternative learning program. Students expressing interest in pursuing such a plan or program should be referred to the Guidance Counselor, Administration, or the Administration's designee.
+The Guidance Counselor or Principal's designee is responsible for assisting learners and their parents/guardians in preparing application forms and other necessary paperwork for alternative learning plans. The alternative learning plan components will be determined through a team consisting of the learner, school personnel, parent/guardian and other appropriate people based on the individual learner needs.\\
-The Guidance Counselor or Administration's designee is responsible for assisting students and their parents/guardians in preparing application forms and other necessary paperwork for alternative learning plans. The alternative learning plan components will be determined through a team consisting of the student, school personnel, parent/guardian and other appropriate people based on the individual student need.
+The Principal or Principal's designee and the designated team will have primary responsibility and authority for initial approval of alternative learning plans.  If the alternative learning plan is approved by the Superintendent, or if required, the School Board, the Principal will have responsibility for overseeing implementation of the plan. The Principal will be responsible for reviewing and approving determinations that district competencies have been achieved and related credits awarded toward the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent.\\
-The Administration or Administration's designee and the designated team will have primary responsibility and authority for approval and implementation of alternative learning plans and will oversee all aspects of such programs. The Administration will be responsible for reviewing and approving alternative learning plans and credits awarded toward the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
+Students approved for alternative learning plans must have parent/guardian permission to participate in such a program. Such permission will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Services signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the district before beginning the program. For alternative learning plans that require off-campus attendance, the District will require a signed agreement among the school, the learner, and a designated agent of the third-party host. The agreement should specify the roles and responsibilities of each party.\\
-Parents/guardians and/or students may appeal decisions rendered by the Administration within the provisions set forth below (see Appeal Process).
+Students engaged in alternative learning plans will remain as enrolled learners of the District. Alternative learning plans that are approved by the District become the responsibility of the District to facilitate implementation.\\
-Students approved for alternative learning plans must have parent/guardian permission to participate in such a program. Such permission will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Services signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the district before beginning the program. For alternative learning plans that require off-campus attendance, the District will require a signed agreement among the school, the student, and a designated agent of the third-party host. The agreement should specify the roles and responsibilities of each party.
+**__C.  Approval Process__** \\
-Students engaged in alternative learning plans will remain as enrolled students of their district. Alternative learning plans that are approved by the District become the responsibility of the District to facilitate implementation, including associated costs and transportation.
+. The learner and parent/guardian shall meet with the guidance counselor or principal to discuss alternative learning plan options and initiate the formation of an alternative learning plan team. The team, including the learner and parent/guardian, will meet to design the alternative learning plan. In order to be approved, the alternative learning plan must comply with and address the applicable elements included in Ed 306.17.\\
-**Approval Process**
+. The Superintendent or Superintendent's designee will review the paperwork and will determine whether or not to approve the alternative learning plan. Ideally, the Superintendent or designee's decision will be made within ten (10) days of receipt of the paperwork.  As indicated above, however, if the plan will require District expenditures exceeding the dollar limit specified above, then the Superintendent will present the plan with a recommendation to the School Board at the next scheduled meeting of the Board (unless an extension is requested by the parent).  The parent/guardian will be permitted to address the Board, and the matter will be in public or non-public at the election of the parent/guardian.  The learner and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the decision. If additional information is requested, the information must be submitted within ten (10) days of receipt of the request.\\
-  - The student/parent/guardian seeking an alternative learning plan shall meet with the guidance counselor or Administration to discuss alternative learning plan options and initiate the formation of an alternative learning plan team. The team, including the student and parent/guardian, will meet to design the alternative learning plan designed to enable the student to remain enrolled in school and complete educational requirements.
+. It is the learner's responsibility to complete the approved program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the learner's ability to remain in the program, achieve the identified competencies, and, if applicable, receive credit towards obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. The learner and parent/guardian recognize that in the event the learner withdraws from an approved program, the District cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent District-offered course or program.\\
-  - The Superintendent or Superintendent's designee will review the paperwork and will determine whether or not to approve the alternative learning plan. The Superintendent or designee's decision will be made within ten (10) days of receipt of the paperwork. The student and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the decision. If additional information is requested, the information must be submitted within ten (10) days of receipt of the request.
-  - It is the student's responsibility to maintain academic standing and enrollment in the approved program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the student's ability to remain in the program and receive credit towards obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. The student and parent/guardian recognize that in the event the student withdraws from an approved program, the District cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent District-offered course.
-  - The District reserves the right to determine the number of credits to be awarded. The course name and actual grade earned will be noted on the student's official transcript.
-**Evaluation Criteria**
+. The District reserves the right to determine the competencies to be recognized, and, if applicable, the number of credits to be awarded. The course name and actual grade earned will be noted on the learner's official transcript.\\
-The Superintendent or designee will evaluate all applications of students wishing to participate in an alternative learning plan or program. At a minimum, any alternative learning plans must meet the following criteria:
+**__D.  Evaluation Criteria__**\\
-  * Provides for proper administration and supervision of the program or plan
+The Superintendent or designee will evaluate all applications of learners wishing to participate in an alternative learning plan or program. At a minimum, any alternative learning plans must meet the following criteria: \\
-  * Provides that certified school personnel oversee and monitor the program
-  * Requirement that each extended learning opportunity, if included in the alternative learning plan, meets rigorous standards, including the minimum standards established by the State Board of Education and all other applicable District standards
-  * Includes age-appropriate academic rigor and the flexibility to incorporate the student's interests and manner of learning
-  * Are developed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with the student, a school Guidance Counselor, the school Administration and at least one parent/guardian of the student
-**Appeal Process**
+. Provides for proper administration and supervision of the program or plan, \\
-If the submitted plan is rejected, the Superintendent or designee will provide the student/parents with a rationale as to why the proposal was rejected. Students whose application has been denied by the Superintendent may appeal that decision to the School Board. The School Board will place the item on its agenda for its next regularly scheduled meeting. Alternatively, if scheduling and time constraints do not allow for the matter to placed on the agenda at the Board's next meeting, the Board may hold a separate meeting to hear the matter. The matter will be discussed in non-public session, pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II, unless the parents request the Board hear the matter in public session, in which case the request will be honored. If the School Board upholds the Superintendent's determination, the decision of the School Board may be appealed to the State Board of Education, consistent with applicable law. The School Board will inform the student/parents of their appeal rights.
+. Provides that certified school personnel oversee and monitor the program,\\
-Program Integrity
+. Includes age-appropriate academic rigor and the flexibility to incorporate the learner's interests and manner of learning, and\\
-In order to insure the integrity of the learning experience approved under this program, the student will be required periodically or upon demand to provide evidence of progress. The Administration will be responsible for certifying completion of the plan or program and the award of credits, consistent with the District's policies on graduation.
-If a student is unable to complete the alternative learning plan for valid reasons, the Administration will evaluate the experience completed to date and make a determination for the award of partial credit or recommend an alternative experience. The Administration will determine the validity of such reasons on a case-by-case basis.
+. Are developed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with the learner, a school Guidance Counselor, the school Principal and at least one parent/guardian of the learner.\\
-If a student ceases to attend or is unable to complete alternative learning plan for insufficient reason (lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the Administration may determine that the student's transcript be adjusted to reflect the experience as a failure.
-In order to certify completion of curricular programs and activities based upon specific instructional objectives aligned to the standards, the Administration will develop appropriate mechanisms to document student progress and program completion on student personnel records.
-Legal References:
-RSA 193:1, Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Student
-Ed 306.04(a) (13), Alternative Means Of Earning Credit Toward A High School Diploma
-Ed 306.04(a) (14), Alternative Means Of Demonstrating Achievement Of Competencies
-Ed 306.21, Alternative Programs
+**__E.  Program Integrity__**\\
+In order to ensure the integrity of the learning experience approved under this program, the learner will be required periodically or upon demand to provide evidence of progress. The Principal will be responsible for certifying completion of the plan, and ensuring that proper assessments are administered for determining achievement of competencies, and, if applicable, the awarding of credits, consistent with the District's policies (see, e.g., Board [[ik_earning_of_credit|policy IK]]).\\
+If a learner is unable to complete the alternative learning plan for valid reasons, the Principal will evaluate the experience completed to date and make a determination for the recognition of achievement of competencies and, if applicable, award of full or partial credits.  The Principal will determine the validity of such reasons on a case-by-case basis, and when appropriate, may recommend an alternative experience.
+If a learner ceases to attend or is unable to complete alternative learning plan for insufficient reason (lack of effort, failure to follow through, indecision, etc.), the Principal may determine that the learner's transcript be adjusted to reflect the experience as a failure.\\
+**District Policy History:**\\
+First reading: July 21, 2025\\
+Second reading: August 4, 2025\\
+Third reading/adopted: August 18, 2025\\
+**District revision history:**  Adopted June 18, 2018\\
+**NH Statutes**	**Description**
+RSA 193:1	[[https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XV/193/193-1.htm|Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil]]\\
+RSA 91-A:3	[[https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/VI/91-A/91-A-3.htm|Non-Public Sessions]]\\
+**NH Dept of Ed Regulation**	**Description**\\
+N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.04(b)(12)	[[https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/ed300.html|Remote Learning]]\\
+N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.04(b)(13)	[[https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/ed300.html|Alternative Means Of Demonstrating Achievement Of Competencies]]\\
+N.H. Code Admin. Rules Ed 306.17	[[https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/ed300.html|Alternative Programs]]\\
+{{ ::policy_ihbh__extended_learning_opportunities_08-18-2025.pdf|Download}}\\
 [[section_i|Section I]]\\
 [[start|Policy Manual]]

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