West Virgina Alternative Education Conference

June 28 - 29, 2010Lori.Lamb@Arkansas.Gov

President, National Alternative Education Association

ADE / Director of Alternative Education

Connecting the Pieces

For Our Challenging Students

Smile, It’s a lot of FUN!

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NCLB & Alt. Ed

RelationshipRelevancy

Rigor

Yearning for Learning

The other person’s perspective must become

the initial focus to establish trust and credibility.

You are the Key

All of us learn from our mistakes

Relate meaningful personal events

You are the “standard”

Stress

Anxiety- a state of uncertainty, disturbance of the mind regarding

uncertain events

Stress

Fear- the agitated feeling caused by anticipation or the realization of danger; An uneasy feeling that

something may happen contrary to one’s hopes

Anger is only one letter away from

DANGER

Relaxation Techniques

Finger Pressure– Tips & Resistance Loops

Controlled Breathing– Demonstrate First

– Count “Out Loud” initially

– Exhale “Through a Straw”

– For younger children use a real straw

Activities

Pressure Point Toys• Jacks and Super Balls• Kooshies• Therapy Putty• Be creative…. Brainstorm Together….

Kindness speaks loudly!

Knowing the Answer…

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Describe and Discuss Knowledge, Participation,

Enthusiasm1. Rummy, Hearts, Spades2. Triominoes, Dominoes, Score

Four3. Pool, Puzzles, Planting

activities4. Class Projects, Trips,

Robotics5.6.

Activities Continued

Puzzles Slinky

Drawing / Coloring• Felt Art

• Mosaic Pictures

• Coloring Book Themes

• School Mascot Pictures

Photos

Pictures of self and family become focus

Pictures of student in positive situation

Pictures that elicit a smile

Artistic OutletsMusic

Poetry

Writing

Art work, Creativity

Tasteful Options

CrackersSour Stuff

– Lemon Drops– Sour Powers– Gummy, Chewy, Oooey – Gooey

Background Music

Waterfall or Aquarium60 Beats A Minute

PianoFamiliar Appropriate

Lighting

Table LampsFloor Lamps

Clip on Activity CenterFun Static LightsWiggly and Wavy

Never Stop Trying

“There is no greater challenge than teaching an alternative student. If

you’re willing to be creative, to risk, to try and fail and try again, working with an alternative student can teach you more, and touch you more deeply

than any other encounter.”CARL…

Dropout Student Survey

Opportunities for real-world learning 81%Better Teachers / More Interesting Classes

81%Smaller Classes/ More Individual Help 75%

Better Communication with Home 71%Parents check on Attendance Every Day

71%Increase Supervision / Ensure class attendance

70%

Negotiate Tough Issues

Compromise is a lifelong skill

“Einstein’s genius came not from being smart, but from being creative and rebellious and being able to think in

pictures.” Walter Isaacson

“There are innumerable explanations for a child’s behavior. Your explanation will dictate the

intervention you select. If an intervention that should work

doesn’t, take a second look at your assumptions.”

It’s not the Tools, It is how you use them!

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