Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) operates an alternative education program that serves at-risk and potential dropout students from each of the nine (9) member Lehigh County school districts. The program will meet the requirements for Pennsylvania Department of Education Alternative Education Disruptive Youth Programs. The program stresses the following:
- Full-day program with a low teacher-to-student ratio.
- Integration of academic and career and technical skills.
- Comprehensive student services. However, there is no mental health component.
- Comprehensive and personalized career preparation options.
- Comprehensive Behavior Modification Counseling.
- Integration of School Wide Positive Behavior Support Program.
- Life skills and attitude development through community service and participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations.
- Completion of graduation requirements.
The mission of the alternative education program shall be to provide an alternative educational setting in which students have an opportunity to be successful, having been unable to do so in traditional settings. Success is defined as reintegration into a participating school program at an appropriate grade level or graduation from high school. With an emphasis on behavior modification and personalized educational preparation, targeted students shall have the opportunity to acquire the necessary interpersonal and employability skills to function as responsible and contributing members of society while completing educational coursework to meet graduation requirements.
Students shall gain admission based on an inability to conform to basic school rules, poor school attendance, and the historical criteria of low academic achievement. Compliance with Act 30 guidelines must be demonstrated during the application process. For the safety of all students attending LCTI, students with a history of committing violent acts will not be enrolled in the program. Students shall be jointly admitted by LCTI and participating school/district personnel. The alternative education program course offerings are regular education. Special Education students take regular education classes with itinerant learning support or itinerant emotional support provided by the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit (CLIU) #21. Students enrolled in academic or technical courses must be capable of success when provided appropriate supplementary aids and services available in the alternative education program.
A mandatory pre-admission conference shall be held for each student seeking entry into the alternative education program. The conference shall include:
- Parent/Guardian and, as applicable, social service involvement.
- During the conference, the student’s complete school record and other pertinent information must be disclosed to the LCTI representative. At the conclusion of the pre-admission conference, a determination will be made whether the alternative education program is a viable option for the student.
The alternative education program shall be based on an expectation of student progress, leading to one (1) of the following:
- Reintegration into a participating school program based on a semi-annual evaluation.
- Graduation from a participating school.
Disenrollment from the program may occur when unexcused absences from students exceed thirty-five (35) days in a school year. Disenrollment from the program may also occur when it is determined that progress is not being made or that a different learning environment is necessary to meet the student’s needs.