Month: January 2013

Here is one example of an educational option for alternative education. At Banner, they have alternative education programs, therapeutic day options and more. As they explain on their website,

“Banner operates therapeutic schools for students with emotional, behavioral and learning disorders, as well as other disabilities. Banner’s therapeutic program is designed specifically for students who are generally considered the most challenging to educate. Banner welcomes these students and takes great pride in educating them. Banner’s innovative special educational program instills confidence and builds the competence of each of its students. Banner works closely with the school district to insure that each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is fully satisfied. Banner employs an IEP compliance officer. The IEP compliance officer’s primary function is to monitor IEPs and see that each and every requirement is met. The IEP compliance officer maintains close contact with the district’s special education staff.”

There are many choices that allow the family to make the best educational decision for their needs.

Alternative learning often puts off many people. They think that this phrase means that students will be sitting in a meadow doing yoga or going to a museum ever day without ever learning in a structured classroom. Rather, alternative learning or teaching methods simply mean that the teacher and school are moving away from traditional teaching methods and are exploring other options. Here are a few suggestions for adding some alternative teaching methods into the classroom without having to shake up the foundation of the entire school.

1. Tactile learning: Think about the students who really need to touch and feel in order to process their learning. Teach math using building blocks. Teach science by bringing in animals or plants.

2. Different assessments: You don’t have to always give a multiple choice test for assessment. Think of having students write a story in English class or act out a play. Let them create a scene in an office where the person sitting behind the reception desk is talking to a character from the book. In history, they could put on a trial or write a treaty. In science they could conduct an experiment. These are great ways to assess student understanding and strengths without pen and paper.

3. Field trips: Take kids on more trips. Get them out of their chairs and into the museums, botanical gardens and other locations in your area where they can learn in a new way.

These are a few suggestions for helping children to blossom and grow without requiring them to sit behind desks all the time and learn with paper and pencils.

Find out about alternative education opportunities in the college arena.