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District outlines expanded alternative-education continuum to keep more students in-district
Summary
Director of student support services Tanya Hayes presented a district plan to strengthen alternative programming — from preschool learning lofts to high-school independent study — aiming to fill the 'missing middle' and reduce out-of-district placements; board endorsed relocating RISE onto campus to bolster that work.
The Missisquoi Valley School District #89 described steps Monday to expand and better coordinate its alternative education and special-education continuum so more students can be served in-district.
Tanya Hayes, the district's director of student support services, told trustees the state’s least restrictive environment (LRE) targets and a recent Agency of Education review show Vermont districts are strong at inclusion but often lack a robust “middle” of supports, resulting in relatively higher rates of out-of-district placements. "Our vision is to provide relevant, responsive, engaging academic and social learning opportunities to ensure kids are learning at high levels," Hayes said, framing the district’s strategy to add and refine programs.
Hayes walked the board through existing and newer options across grade bands. At the early-elementary level a "learning loft" supports students…
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