Alternative Education
An alternative education program involves a temporary authorized departure from the traditional school setting. It is designed to provide educational and social development for students whose behavior places them at risk of failing in the traditional school setting and/or in adult life without positive interventions. The alternative school program offers students the opportunity to continue their education in a more structured environment for a specified period, until they have met the behavioral requirements.
Policies and Laws relevant to the Alternative Education setting are provided below.
The MDE Office of Compulsory School Attendance, Program Office Alternative Education has published a support manual offering guidance for school districts that provide alternative education opportunities to their students.
Currently, the Office of Alternative Education is gathering individuals who are interested in collaborating with the MDE on updating the Alternative Education Support Manual. If you are interested in sharing your expertise and collaborating with others to update the current Support Manual, please submit your contact information through the following link.
A Needs Assessment Survey
Each year, local education agencies across Mississippi complete a Needs Assessment Survey, and your input matters. The Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement (OCSAE): Alternative Education is responsible for distributing this vital survey at the end of the school year. It serves as your district’s official documentation for its alternative education program, helping to guide meaningful improvements for both students and staff. Your voice helps us grow stronger and open doors to brighter futures!
Alternative Education Monitoring
The OCSAE may conduct monitoring visits to ensure that alternative education programs in school districts meet the required standards. A link is provided below to the monitoring tool, along with the relevant policies, laws, and/or explanations.
Alternative Education Templates
High School Equivalency Program
A Second Chance to Succeed—Right in Mississippi Schools!
Mississippi schools have a powerful opportunity to offer students a High School Equivalency Program, an essential pathway to graduation and beyond. This program, part of the Alternative Education framework, helps students stay on track, reach their goals, and open doors to brighter futures. School districts planning to operate a High School Equivalency Program must submit an annual application. The MDE OCSAE: Alternative Education publishes the application, which can be found below.
All Mississippi Public Schools must complete the Intent Form. The Intent Form is a notification of the district’s decision to have an HSEP. If the district chooses not to have a program, this link is for the Intent Form only. Intent Form
Policies and Laws relevant to the High School Equivalency Program
End of Year Tasks
