Addendum to March 14, meeting minutes:

Under 3. Definition of Alternative Education (committee as a whole), please insert:

Elaine Packard, Committee Chair, posted these three summary statements drafted by the groups (elementary, middle, and high school) that met during the last meeting to create a definition for an alternative school in the Seattle School District. The summary statements were a starting point for this week’s discussion:

· System that focuses on the individual students’ learning, social and philosophical needs in a highly personalized environment. Alternative schools attract students, families, and staff who value choice, self-determination, and a sense of community. There are a variety of schools within this system to ensure success for all students. Alternative schools are not interchangeable.

· Alternative schools in the Seattle Public Schools are defined by six key elements. Each alternative school:

1. Is committed to providing each student with a personalized education.

2. Is a school chosen by its students and their families.

3. Has articulated its own identity and purpose, and each alternative school strives to accomplish this purpose.

4. Is a community that includes not only students and educator, but also the student’s families and other citizens.

5. Is shaped by the community it serves.

6. Employs its own version of shared decision-making.

· A place where community/parental involvement is maximized, through creating a comfortable community. Learning is collaborative, flexible, experiential and very student-directed. From this style of learning, students gain empowerment and respect, as well as instilled leadership. Staff is caring and responsive to student needs.