LAC 28:CXLIX.2101. Approval for Alternative Schools or Programs

A. Approval to operate an alternative school or program must be obtained from BESE. 1. A school system choosing to implement an alternative school or program shall notify the LDE on or before the date prescribed by the LDE. School systems cannot change the requested school or program classification after March 15 annually, until the next application period 2. The LDE will submit to BESE an annual: a. list of alternative sites to approve or disapprove by April; and b. alternative schools and programs report by January. 3. An approved alternative school or program will be: a. included in the school system pupil progression plan; and b. subject to monitoring by the LDE staff, as needed. B. Eligibility for authorization of an alternative education site requires local educational authority completion of an application provided by the LDE. Eligibility criteria required include: 1. alternative site type sought (school or program); 2. transitional planning and support; 3. counseling and mental health supports; 4. staff professional development; 5. identified behavioral interventions; 6. identified academic interventions and graduation pathways; and 7. annual climate survey, if conducted. C. Alternative education sites will be approved if all eligibility criteria are met. Reauthorization of an alternative site will be reviewed every three years and approval, provisional approval, or nonrenewal will be based upon delivery of eligibility criteria.