Board Policies & Administrative Procedures

Board Policy 18: ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

The Board is committed to providing a range of programs and instructional options to accommodate the differing needs and interests of students.

The Board believes that alternative programs, pursuant to the relevant section(s) of the Education Act, that emphasize a particular language, culture, religion or subject matter, or that uses a particular teaching philosophy, may be made available where numbers warrant and when financially feasible.

Specifically

1. Parents, an organization of parents, or staff may request that the Board provide an alternative program.
   1. A proposal to establish an alternative program must be submitted to the Superintendent.
      
      
2. Prior to the implementation of an alternative program in any Division school, the Superintendent will consult with the administration, as well as the School Council, of the school where the program may be housed.
   
   
3. The Board may provide an alternative program where numbers warrant, subject to availability of space, and policies established by the Board.
   
   
4. Where an alternative program is offered within a school, the Board shall maintain the integrity and viability of the regular education program.
   
   
5. The Board may restrict enrolment in the alternative program if there is insufficient space in a school, or to maintain the viability and integrity of programs within that school.
   
   
6. The Board may designate an alternative program to operate in a separate building or within a school building where a regular program is offered.
   
   
7. All staff employed or assigned to teach or work in the alternative program shall be employees of the Board, and shall:
   1. Enjoy the same privileges and benefits extended to all other employees through Board policies and existing collective agreements.
   2. Be subject to all the requirements of the Education Act and regulations, Board policies and administrative procedures.
      
      
8. A school providing an alternative program shall only provide courses of study, instructional materials, and education programs prescribed by the Minister or approved by the Board.
   
   
9. A school offering an alternative program shall be operated in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act, Alberta Education regulations and policy, Board policies and administrative procedures.
   
   
10. Parents of students wishing to enrol in an alternative program must support the program philosophy and policies established by the Board.
    
    
11. The Board may charge parents a fee for the purpose of defraying all or a portion of:
    1. Any non-instructional costs that may be incurred by the Board in offering the alternative program, and
    2. Any instructional material costs that are in addition to the costs incurred by the Board in providing its regular program.

Legal Reference:

Section 11, 16, 18, 19, 32, 33, 51, 52, 53, 60, 67, 222 Education Act

Approved: August 21, 2018

Last Reviewed: January 13, 2022

Last Updated: January 13, 2022