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Alternative Schools and Programs for

Public School Students At Risk of

Educational Failure: 2007–08 

First Look 

March 2010 

Priscilla Rouse Carver

Laurie Lewis

Westat

Peter Tice

National Center for Education Statistics

NCES 2010–026

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
U.S. Department of Education

Arne Duncan

Secretary

Institute of Education Sciences 

John Q. Easton

Director

National Center for Education Statistics

Stuart Kerachsky

Deputy Commissioner

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting, analyzing, 

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NCES activities are designed to address high-priority education data needs; provide consistent, reliable, 

complete, and accurate indicators of education status and trends; and report timely, useful, and highquality data to the U.S. Department of Education, the Congress, the states, other education 

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contained herein is in the public domain.

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National Center for Education Statistics

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March 2010

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Suggested Citation 

Carver, P. R., and Lewis, L. (2010). Alternative Schools and Programs for Public School Students At Risk of 

Educational Failure: 2007–08 (NCES 2010–026). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for 

Education Statistics. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. 

. 

For ordering information on this report, write to 

ED Pubs

U.S. Department of Education

P.O. Box 22207

Alexandria, VA 22304

or call toll free 1-877-4-ED-Pubs or order online at http://www.edpubs.gov

Content Contact

Peter Tice

(202) 502-7497

. 

peter.tice@ed.gov
iii

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to recognize the respondents from public school districts who provided data on 

alternative schools and programs upon which the report is based. We would also like to thank the sponsors 

from the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS).
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v 

Contents 

Page 

Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... iii

List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. vi

Appendix A Tables ..................................................................................................................... viii

Appendix B Tables ...................................................................................................................... x 

First Look Summary .................................................................................................................... 1 

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 

Selected Findings ................................................................................................................ 3 

Tables .......................................................................................................................................... 5 

References ................................................................................................................................... 21 

Appendix A: Standard Error Tables ........................................................................................... A-1 

Appendix B: Technical Notes .................................................................................................... B-1 

Appendix C: Questionnaires....................................................................................................... C-1 
vi

List of Tables

Table Page 

1. Administration: Percent of districts with alternative schools and programs for atrisk students, by administering entity and district characteristics: School year 

2007–08 ........................................................................................................................... 5 

2. Program Type: Total number of district-administered alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students and percent of district-administered alternative schools 

and programs, by type and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ....................... 6 

3. Education Providers: Percent of districts with alternative schools and programs 

administered by entities other than the district that reported using various entities to 

provide alternative education to at-risk students, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 ....................................................................................................... 7 

4. Students Served: Total number of students enrolled in public school districts 

attending alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, number of students 

enrolled in district-administered alternative schools and programs and the number of 

those students receiving special education services, and number of students enrolled 

in public school districts attending alternative schools and programs administered 

by an entity other than the district, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ...... 8 

5. Grades Served: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students reporting the grades taught in the alternative 

schools and programs, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ......................... 9 

6. Enrollment Limitations: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative

schools and programs for at-risk students that were unable to enroll new students 

because of staffing or space limitations, by district characteristics: School year 

2007–08 ........................................................................................................................... 10 

7. Reasons for Transfer: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative

schools and programs for at-risk students, by reported individual reasons that 

students could be transferred to an alternative school or program and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... 11 

8. Means for Placement: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative 

schools and programs for at-risk students that reported the placement of a student in 

alternative schools and programs was based to a moderate or large extent on various 

means, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ................................................. 12 

9. Resolving Parental Objections: Percentage distribution of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, by means used to 

resolve parental objections to student placement in an alternative school or program 

and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................ 13 
vii

10. Policy for Returning to Regular School: Percentage distribution of districts with 

district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that 

reported a policy that allows all, some, or no students enrolled to return to a regular 

school, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ................................................. 14 

11. Reasons for Returning to Regular School: Percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that allowed 

some or all students to return to regular schools, by factors reported as very 

important in determining whether students were able to return to a regular school 

and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................ 15 

12. Reasons for Leaving: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative

schools and programs for at-risk students indicating that students leave alternative 

schools and programs, by reason cited to a moderate or large extent and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... 16 

13. Databases for Tracking: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative

schools and programs for at-risk students that reported having a database to track 

students after they leave alternative schools and programs, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... 17 

14. Program Requirements: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative

schools and programs for at-risk students that reported having various requirements 

for teaching or educating students in an alternative school or program, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... 18 

15. Collaboration: Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students that collaborated with various agencies in order to 

provide services for enrolled students, by district characteristics: School year 

 2007–08 ........................................................................................................................... 19 
viii

Appendix A Tables

Table Page 

1a. Administration: Standard errors for the percent of districts with alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students, by administering entity and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... A-3 

2a. Program Type: Standard errors for the total number of district-administered 

alternative schools and programs for at-risk students and percent of districtadministered alternative schools and programs, by type and district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 ....................................................................................................... A-4 

3a. Education Providers: Standard errors for the percent of districts with alternative

schools and programs administered by entities other than the district that reported

using various entities to provide alternative education to at-risk students, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... A-5 

4a. Students Served: Standard errors for the total number of students enrolled in 

public school districts attending alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students, number of students enrolled in district-administered alternative schools 

and programs and the number of those students receiving special education services, 

and number of students enrolled in public school districts attending alternative 

schools and programs administered by an entity other than the district, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... A-6 

5a. Grades Served: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students reporting the 

grades taught in the alternative schools and programs, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 ....................................................................................................... A-7 

6a. Enrollment Limitations: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that were unable 

to enroll new students because of staffing or space limitations, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... A-8 

7a. Reasons for Transfer: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, by reported 

individual reasons that students could be transferred to an alternative school or 

program and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................. A-9 

8a. Means for Placement: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that reported the 

placement of a student in alternative schools and programs was based to a moderate 

or large extent on various means, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ........ A-10 

9a. Resolving Parental Objections: Standard errors for the percentage distribution of 

districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk

students, by means used to resolve parental objections to student placement in an 

alternative school or program and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............ A-11 
ix

10a. Policy for Returning to Regular School: Standard errors for the percentage 

distribution of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs 

for at-risk students that reported a policy that allows all, some, or no students 

enrolled to return to a regular school, by district characteristics: School year 

 2007–08 ........................................................................................................................... A-12 

11a. Reasons for Returning to Regular School: Standard errors for the percent of 

districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students that allowed some or all students to return to regular schools, by factors 

reported as very important in determining whether students were able to return to a 

regular school and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 .................................... A-13 

12a. Reasons for Leaving: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students indicating that 

students leave alternative schools and programs, by reason cited to a moderate or 

large extent and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ........................................ A-14 

13a. Databases for Tracking: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that reported

having a database to track students after they leave alternative schools and 

programs, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08............................................. A-15 

14a. Program Requirements: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that reported

having various requirements for teaching or educating students in an alternative 

school or program, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 .............................. A-16 

15a. Collaboration: Standard errors for the percent of districts with districtadministered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that collaborated 

with various agencies in order to provide services for enrolled students, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 ............................................................................... A-17 
x 

Appendix B Tables

Table Page 

B-1. Number and percent of responding public school districts in the study sample, and 

estimated number and percent of public school districts the sample represents, 

by selected district characteristics: School year 2007–08 ................................................ B-4 

B-2. Percent of cases with imputed data in the study sample, and percent of cases with 

imputed data the sample represents, by questionnaire item: School year 2007–08 ......... B-6 
1 

First Look Summary

Introduction

This report provides national estimates on the availability of alternative schools and programs for 

students at risk of educational failure in public school districts during the 2007–08 school year. The National 

Center for Education Statistics (NCES) previously reported results from a similar survey of alternative schools 

and programs conducted during the 2000–01 school year (Kleiner, Porch, and Farris 2002). The estimates 

presented in the current report are based on an initial district survey about alternative schools and programs 

available to students during the 2007–08 school year and a short follow-up survey. The initial survey asked 

about alternative schools and programs administered by the district and covered many of the same topics 

included in the 2000–01 survey. The follow-up survey expanded the coverage by asking about students 

enrolled in the district who attended alternative schools and programs administered by an entity other than the 

district. Both the 2007–08 initial and follow-up surveys instructed district respondents to answer the survey 

about the 2007–08 school year using the following definition for alternative schools and programs: 

 

Alternative schools and programs are designed to address the needs of students that typically cannot 

be met in regular schools. The students who attend alternative schools and programs are typically at 

risk of educational failure (as indicated by poor grades, truancy, disruptive behavior, pregnancy, or 

similar factors associated with temporary or permanent withdrawal from school). 

• Alternative schools are usually housed in a separate facility where students are removed from 

regular schools. 

• Alternative programs are usually housed within regular schools. 

All of the questions in the initial survey concerned district-administered alternative schools and 

programs. Specifically, the 2007–08 initial survey covered the following:

• Availability and number of alternative schools and programs, including those that operated as charter 

schools, were located in juvenile detention centers, or used distance education as an instructional mode; 

• Availability of alternative schools and programs designed to serve specific types of students at risk of 

educational failure (e.g., students who had dropped out of regular school, or students who were highly 

disruptive);

• Grades taught in alternative schools and programs;

• Number of students enrolled in alternative schools and programs and, of those students, number who 

were receiving special education services; 

• Whether any alternative schools and programs were unable to enroll new students because of staffing or 

space limitations; 

• Reasons students enrolled in alternative schools and programs, means by which they were placed, and 

the district’s procedures for handling parental objections to recommended placement in an alternative 

school or program; 

• District’s policy on allowing students enrolled in an alternative school or program to return to a regular 

school and factors important in determining whether a student returned to a regular school; 

• Reasons students left alternative schools and programs, and whether the district had a database to track 

students after they left;
2 

• Whether the district had ongoing professional development or specific requirements for teaching in an 

alternative school or program; 

• Whether a written learning plan stating educational goals was required for students beyond those who 

were receiving special education services upon entry into alternative schools and programs; and

• Whether the district collaborated with various agencies to provide services to students who attended 

alternative schools and programs, and whether various services or practices were required to be made 

routinely available in alternative schools and programs. 

In addition to district-administered alternative schools and programs, alternative education for students 

at risk of educational failure could be provided through alternative schools and programs administered by 

entities other than the district. To provide a more complete picture of the total number of alternative schools 

and programs and the total number of students served, a follow-up survey on the use of alternative schools and 

programs run by entities other than the district was conducted after the initial data collection. Specifically, the 

follow-up survey asked whether any students enrolled in the district attended an alternative school or program 

administered by an entity other than the district. The survey also requested the number of students enrolled in 

the district who attended alternative schools or programs administered by an entity other than the district and 

the type of entity that administered the alternative school or program. 

In responding to the initial and the follow-up 2007–08 surveys, district respondents were instructed to 

include or exclude alternative schools and programs based on certain characteristics. The primary difference in 

the inclusions and exclusions between the initial and follow-up surveys was that the initial survey only 

included alternative schools and programs administered by the district, while the follow-up survey only 

included alternative schools and programs that were not administered by the district. For both the initial and 

follow-up surveys, if the alternative schools and programs were for at-risk students and were attended by the 

majority of the students for at least half of their instructional time, they were to be included. However, if the 

alternative schools or programs exclusively served students receiving special education services or were shortterm in-school suspension programs, they were to be excluded. For a complete list of inclusions and 

exclusions for the initial and follow-up surveys, see the surveys in appendix C. 

The NCES in the Institute of Education Sciences conducted these Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) 

surveys in fall 2008 (initial 2007–08 survey) and spring 2009 (follow-up survey). FRSS is a survey system 

designed to collect small amounts of issue-oriented data from a nationally representative sample of districts, 

schools, or teachers with minimal burden on respondents and within a relatively short period of time. The 

initial survey was mailed to 1,806 public school districts in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The 

unweighted survey response rate was 95 percent and the weighted response rate was 96 percent. The followup survey was mailed to the 1,698 districts that responded to the initial 2007–08 survey; approximately 99 

percent of districts that received the follow-up survey completed it. The survey weights were adjusted for 

questionnaire nonresponse and the data were then weighted to yield national estimates that represent all public 

school districts in the United States. 

Because the purpose of this report is to introduce new NCES data from the 2007–08 initial and followup surveys through the presentation of tables containing descriptive information, only selected findings are 

presented. These findings have been chosen to demonstrate the range of information available from the FRSS 

study rather than to discuss all of the data collected; they are not meant to emphasize any particular issue. The 

findings are based on self-reported data from public school districts. 

All specific statements of comparisons made in the bullets have been tested for statistical significance at 

the .05 level using Student’s t-statistics to ensure that the differences are larger than those that might be 

expected due to sampling variation. Adjustments for multiple comparisons were not included. Many of the 

variables examined are related to one another, and complex interactions and relationships have not been 

explored. Tables of standard error estimates are provided in appendix A. Detailed information about the 
3 

survey methodology is provided in appendix B, and the 2007–08 initial and follow-up questionnaires can be 

found in appendix C. 

Selected Findings 

This report presents key findings about alternative schools and programs for at-risk students in the 

2007–08 school year. These schools and programs may be administered either by the district or by another 

entity. 

Alternative Schools and Programs Administered by the District or by Other Entities

• In the 2007–08 school year, 64 percent of districts reported having at least one alternative school or 

program for at-risk students that was administered either by the district or by another entity (table 1). 

Forty percent of districts reported having at least one district-administered alternative school or 

program, and 35 percent of districts reported using at least one alternative school or program 

administered by another entity in the 2007–08 school year. 

• There were 10,300 district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students in the 

2007–08 school year (table 2). Of these schools and programs, 37 percent were housed within a regular 

school.1

• Of districts that had students who attended district-administered alternative schools and programs for atrisk students, 17 percent used distance education as an instructional delivery mode (table 2). 

 

• Of districts that had students who attended alternative schools and programs for at-risk students 

administered by entities other than the district, 81 percent reported that some schools and programs were 

administered by a public entity such as a regional program, consortium, cooperative, or another school 

district; 26 percent reported that a private entity contracted by the district administered some alternative 

schools or programs; and 8 percent reported that a 2- or 4-year postsecondary institution in partnership 

with or contracted by the district administered some alternative schools and programs (table 3).2

• There were 646,500 students enrolled in public school districts attending alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students in 2007–08, with 558,300 students attending district-administered 

alternative schools and programs and 87,200 students attending alternative schools and programs 

administered by another entity (table 4).

Alternative Schools and Programs Administered by the District

This section presents key findings for the 40 percent of districts with alternative schools and programs 

for at-risk students administered by the district. 

• Most of the districts reported offering alternative schools and programs for students in grades 9 through 

12 (88 to 96 percent), with offerings for grades 6 through 8 reported by 41 to 63 percent of districts, and 

for grades 1 through 5 by 8 to 18 percent of districts (table 5). The grades in which districts reported 

offering alternative schools and programs varied by district enrollment size. For example, in each of 

grades 1 through 9, a higher percentage of large districts (ranging from 19 to 94 percent of districts) 

offered alternative schools and programs than medium districts (from 8 to 88 percent of districts) or 

small districts (from 5 to 87 percent of districts).3

 

1 Alternative schools and programs can be housed within regular schools or separate facilities. The estimate presented here represents schools 

and programs housed within regular schools; the remaining alternative schools and programs are housed within separate facilities.

 Similarly, in each of grades 3 through 8, a larger 

percentage of medium districts (from 12 to 67 percent of districts) offered alternative schools and 

programs than small districts (from 7 to 54 percent of districts). 

2 Percents sum to more than 100 because districts could report more than one administering entity. 3 Large districts have 10,000 or more enrolled students. Medium districts have between 2,500 and 9,999 enrolled students. Small districts have 

less than 2,500 enrolled students.
4 

• One-third (33 percent) of the districts reported being unable to enroll new students in alternative schools 

and programs because of staffing or space limitations during the 2007–08 school year (table 6). A 

higher percentage of districts located in cities (46 percent), suburbs (38 percent), and towns (34 percent) 

reported being unable to enroll new students in alternative schools and programs because of staffing or 

space limitations than districts located in rural areas (25 percent). Also, a higher percentage of districts 

located in cities reported being unable to enroll new students than districts located in towns.

• Districts reported that students could be transferred to an alternative school or program solely for 

physical attacks or fights (61 percent); the possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or drugs (excluding 

tobacco) (57 percent); disruptive verbal behavior (57 percent); continual academic failure (57 percent); 

chronic truancy (53 percent); the possession or use of a weapon other than a firearm (51 percent); and 

the possession or use of a firearm (42 percent) (table 7). 

• Districts reported that the placement of students in alternative schools and programs was based to a 

moderate or large extent on the recommendations from regular school staff (75 percent); a committee of 

teachers, administrators, and counselors (71 percent); a district-level administrator (54 percent); a parent 

request (48 percent); and a student request (41 percent) (table 8). 

• Forty-eight percent of the districts reported resolving parental objections to a student’s placement in an 

alternative school or program through due process, 22 percent reported resolving parental objections by 

withdrawing the recommendation for placement, and 13 percent reported that the student was placed in 

an alternative school or program despite parental objections (table 9). 

• Sixty-three percent of the districts reported having a policy that allowed all students enrolled in 

alternative schools or programs to return to regular school, and 36 percent of the districts reported 

having a policy that allowed some of the students to return to a regular school (table 10). Of those 

districts that allowed all or some of the students to return to a regular school, among the factors that 

districts reported as very important in determining whether a student was able to return were improved 

attitude/behavior (78 percent), student motivation to return (77 percent), approval of alternative school 

or program staff (60 percent), and improved grades (58 percent) (table 11). 

• Districts reported the following reasons that explain to a moderate or large extent why students leave 

alternative schools or programs: graduated with a regular high school diploma (68 percent), returned to a 

regular school (68 percent), transferred to an adult education or General Educational Development 

(GED) program (19 percent), graduated with a nonstandard high school diploma or certificate of 

completion (16 percent), dropped out of school (17 percent), and were transferred to a criminal justice 

facility (5 percent) (table 12). 

• Thirty-five percent of the districts reported having a database to track students after they leave 

alternative schools and programs (table 13).

• Sixty-three percent of the districts reported requiring a written learning plan upon entry into alternative 

schools and programs for some or all students beyond those who were receiving special education 

services (table 14). 

• In addition to regular requirements for teaching in alternative schools and programs, 30 percent of 

districts reported having specific requirements for teaching in alternative schools and programs, and 48 

percent reported having professional development requirements (table 14). 

• Districts reported having collaborations with various outside agencies to provide services to students in 

alternative schools and programs. This included 80 percent of the districts reporting collaborations with 

the criminal justice system, 78 percent with community mental health agencies, 77 percent with child 

protective services, 69 percent with the police or sheriff’s department, 60 percent with drug and/or 

alcohol clinics, and 55 percent with crisis intervention centers (table 15). 
5 

Administration

Table 1. Percent of districts with alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, 

by administering entity and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Alternative schools 

and programs 

administered either 

by the district or by 

another entity 

At least one 

alternative school or

program administered 

solely by the district

At least one 

alternative school or 

program administered

solely by another

entity 

Alternative schools 

and programs 

administered by both 

the district and 

another entity

All public school districts ................... 64 40 35 12

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ..................................... 54 27 34 7

2,500 to 9,999 ....................................... 86 67 39 20

10,000 or more ..................................... 96 91 35 31

Community type

City ....................................................... 94 87 44 37

Suburban .............................................. 66 43 38 16

Town .................................................... 77 55 34 12

Rural ..................................................... 56 29 34 8

Region

Northeast .............................................. 60 30 43 13

Southeast .............................................. 90 76 26 11

Central .................................................. 61 33 40 13

West ..................................................... 60 42 27 9

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................... 55 26 39 10

6 to 20 percent ...................................... 66 42 36 13

21 to 49 percent .................................... 70 54 31 15

50 percent or more ................................ 73 54 30 11

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................. 62 34 42 13

10 to 19 percent .................................... 62 38 36 12

20 percent or more ................................ 68 49 29 10

NOTE: There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were 

based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Percents do not sum to the total percent 

of districts with alternative schools and programs administered either by the district or by another entity because districts could report 

using one or both types of alternative schools and programs.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08” and “Follow-up District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
6 

Program Type

Table 2. Total number of district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students 

and percent of district-administered alternative schools and programs, by type and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Number of 

alternative 

schools and 

programs1

Percent of district-administered alternative schools 

and programs that are a specific type2 

Housed 

within a 

regular 

school3

Located in 

juvenile 

detention 

centers4

Operated as 

charter 

schools5

Used 

distance 

education as 

an 

instructional 

delivery 

mode6

All public school districts with district- 

 administered alternative schools or 

programs ....................................................... 10,300 37 4 3 17

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 3,300 50 2 3 21

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 3,600 36 4 2 20

10,000 or more .......................................................... 3,500 25 6 3 12

Community type

City ............................................................................ 2,400 24 6 4 13

Suburban ................................................................... 2,800 39 4 2 13

Town ......................................................................... 2,200 35 3 3 22

Rural .......................................................................... 2,900 47 3 2 22

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 1,400 59 2 2 9

Southeast ................................................................... 2,400 35 3 2 18

Central ....................................................................... 2,900 40 4 3 27

West .......................................................................... 3,700 27 5 4 13

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 1,900 58 3 2 22

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 2,600 39 3 3 22

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 2,800 32 5 3 17

50 percent or more ..................................................... 3,100 27 4 3 11

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 2,500 44 2 2 19

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 4,300 36 5 3 19

20 percent or more ..................................................... 3,600 33 4 2 15 1

Detail may not sum to totals because of rounding. 2

Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program during 

the 2007–08 school year. 3

Alternative schools and programs can be housed within regular schools or separate facilities. Percentages presented here represent 

schools and programs housed within regular schools; the remaining alternative schools and programs are housed within separate 

facilities.

4

Juvenile detention centers represent one type of separate facility where alternative schools and programs are located.

5

Charter schools are a type of administrative structure rather than a location, although charter schools are generally located in a separate 

facility.

6

Distance education represents one mode of instructional delivery and can be offered in school, at home, or in another location.

NOTE: There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were 

based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
7 

Education Providers

Table 3. Percent of districts with alternative schools and programs administered by entities other than 

the district that reported using various entities to provide alternative education to at-risk 

students, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

A public entity 

(e.g., regional 

program, 

consortium, 

cooperative, or 

another school 

district)

A private entity 

contracted by 

the district

2- or 4-year 

postsecondary 

institution in 

partnership with 

or contracted by 

the district Other entities

All public school districts .................................... 81 26 8 2 

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 82 21 7 2 

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 80 36 10 1!

10,000 or more .......................................................... 75 37 11 4 

Community type

City ............................................................................ 79 35 11 3!

Suburban ................................................................... 83 41 7 1!

Town ......................................................................... 81 22 7 ‡ 

Rural .......................................................................... 81 20 8 3 

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 70 50 3 3!

Southeast ................................................................... 76 24 6! 9 

Central ....................................................................... 87 17 13 ‡ 

West .......................................................................... 86 14 4 3!

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 78 28 9 2!

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 82 26 9 3!

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 86 25 9 3!

50 percent or more ..................................................... 86 20 3 1 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 84 31 8 ‡ 

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 79 25 10 2 

20 percent or more ..................................................... 81 20 5 6 

! Interpret data with caution; the coefficient of variation is greater than 50 percent.

‡ Reporting standards not met; too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 35 percent of districts that reported using alternative schools or programs administered by an entity 

other than the district during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was 

missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. 

Census Bureau. Percents sum to more than 100 because districts could report more than one administering entity.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “Follow-up 

District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
8 

Students Served

Table 4. Total number of students enrolled in public school districts attending alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students, number of students enrolled in district-administered 

alternative schools and programs and the number of those students receiving special 

education services, and number of students enrolled in public school districts attending 

alternative schools and programs administered by an entity other than the district, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Total number 

of students 

enrolled in public 

school districts who 

attend alternative 

schools and programs 

administered 

by the district or 

another entity

Students enrolled in 

alternative schools and programs 

administered solely by the district Number of students 

enrolled in a public 

school district who 

attend alternative 

schools and 

programs 

administered solely 

by another entity 

Number of 

students 

Number of students 

enrolled in 

alternative schools 

and programs who 

receive special 

education services 

All public school districts ............. 645,500 558,300 90,300 87,200

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................... 98,200 75,600 12,100 22,700

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................... 181,500 150,500 23,900 31,000

10,000 or more ................................... 365,700 332,200 54,300 33,600

Community type

City ..................................................... 222,600 197,800 32,100 24,800

Suburban ............................................ 232,500 200,500 32,900 32,000

Town .................................................. 89,000 77,800 12,400 11,100

Rural ................................................... 101,400 82,100 12,900 19,300

Region

Northeast ............................................ 76,000 56,000 13,000 20,000

Southeast ............................................ 141,400 125,100 25,200 16,300

Central ................................................ 150,200 122,300 20,800 27,900

West ................................................... 277,900 254,900 31,300 23,000

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................. 60,000 44,600 7,800 15,400

6 to 20 percent .................................... 127,600 106,600 18,500 21,000

21 to 49 percent .................................. 175,400 148,500 25,600 26,900

50 percent or more .............................. 282,600 258,600 38,400 23,900

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................... 140,100 117,200 18,600 22,800

10 to 19 percent .................................. 287,400 242,800 40,500 44,600

20 percent or more .............................. 217,700 198,100 31,200 19,700

NOTE. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were 

based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Detail may not sum to totals because of 

rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08” and “Follow-up District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 

2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
9 

Grades Served

Table 5. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students reporting the grades taught in the alternative schools and programs, by district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Ungraded

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools 

 or programs ................... 1 6 8 10 11 13 18 41 57 63 88 95 94 96 5 

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................... # 4 5 7 7 6 11 28 47 54 87 94 93 95 5 

2,500 to 9,999 ............................ # 6 8 10 12 15 21 47 62 67 88 96 95 97 4 

10,000 or more .......................... 3 13 19 22 25 31 33 65 78 81 94 98 97 97 5 

Community type

City ............................................ 2 12 17 19 23 28 29 56 73 77 94 97 96 97 5 

Suburban ................................... 1 5 7 10 11 13 16 36 49 56 82 93 93 94 3 

Town ......................................... # 4 6 7 8 10 14 37 50 56 88 96 96 95 4 

Rural .......................................... ‡ 6 7 10 11 11 18 41 62 67 90 95 93 96 6 

Region

Northeast ................................... # 1 1 3 3 6 8 22 42 48 78 96 94 96 3 

Southeast ................................... 1 9 11 13 15 22 31 71 87 93 99 97 96 97 5 

Central ....................................... 1! 4 5 7 7 6 8 26 40 47 87 94 93 96 5 

West .......................................... 1 8 12 15 17 18 24 43 61 65 87 94 94 94 5 

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, Asian/ 

 Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................... ‡ 3 3 6 5 4 9 27 48 56 88 95 93 95 4 

6 to 20 percent ........................... # 6 7 7 7 8 10 32 50 53 83 95 94 99 5 

21 to 49 percent ......................... 1! 7 9 12 15 18 22 51 65 71 89 94 93 94 6 

50 percent or more ..................... 1 8 14 17 20 27 33 55 69 74 94 96 96 96 4 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................. 1! 3 5 5 5 6 7 25 37 42 76 93 95 98 4 

10 to 19 percent ......................... 1! 7 8 9 10 12 17 36 55 61 91 96 94 95 5 

20 percent or more ..................... 1 6 10 15 18 20 26 57 74 81 94 95 93 95 4 

# Rounds to zero.

! Interpret data with caution; the coefficient of variation is greater than 50 percent.

‡ Reporting standards not met; too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Percents sum to 

more than 100 because districts could report multiple grades.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
10 

Enrollment Limitations

Table 6. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students that were unable to enroll new students because of staffing or space limitations, 

by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic Percent

All public school districts with district-administered alternative schools or programs ................................. 33

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................................................................................................... 24

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

10,000 or more ................................................................................................................................................... 46

Community type

City ..................................................................................................................................................................... 46

Suburban ............................................................................................................................................................ 38

Town .................................................................................................................................................................. 34

Rural ................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Region

Northeast ............................................................................................................................................................ 30

Southeast ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

Central ................................................................................................................................................................ 35

West ................................................................................................................................................................... 37

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................................................................................................................................. 25

6 to 20 percent .................................................................................................................................................... 37

21 to 49 percent .................................................................................................................................................. 36

50 percent or more .............................................................................................................................................. 32

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................................................................................................................................... 35

10 to 19 percent .................................................................................................................................................. 34

20 percent or more .............................................................................................................................................. 29

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
11

Reasons for Transfer

Table 7. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, by reported individual reasons 

that students could be transferred to an alternative school or program and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Possession 

or use of a 

firearm

Possession 

or use of a 

weapon 

other than a 

firearm

Possession, 

distribution, or use 

of alcohol 

or drugs 

(excluding 

tobacco)

Arrest or 

involvement with 

the 

criminal 

justice 

system

Physical 

attacks or 

fights

Disruptive 

verbal 

behavior

Chronic 

truancy

Continual 

academic 

failure

Pregnancy/

teen 

parenthood

Mental 

health

needs Other

All public school districts with 

 district-administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ................................ 42 51 57 42 61 57 53 57 31 27 5 

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................... 37 42 47 36 57 57 52 58 32 27 3 

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................... 45 55 61 46 61 56 55 56 29 25 6 

10,000 or more ................................... 56 70 75 52 71 62 50 56 35 31 7 

Community type

City ..................................................... 54 66 72 56 73 63 58 56 34 30 5 

Suburban ............................................ 42 49 56 34 56 49 52 59 33 31 4 

Town .................................................. 39 45 50 40 54 51 52 57 31 24 7 

Rural ................................................... 42 52 57 44 64 65 52 56 30 26 3 

Region

Northeast ............................................ 45 53 50 30 49 45 49 46 16 21 3 

Southeast ............................................ 59 75 76 51 79 72 48 49 19 20 7 

Central ................................................ 27 31 41 32 50 51 57 69 41 35 5 

West ................................................... 44 53 62 52 64 60 55 56 38 26 3 

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................. 40 43 49 29 54 57 51 60 32 26 3 

6 to 20 percent .................................... 37 41 50 37 54 49 52 59 31 31 6 

21 to 49 percent .................................. 43 61 63 52 69 65 58 56 35 30 4 

50 percent or more .............................. 51 63 67 53 67 61 51 52 26 19 5 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................... 38 40 43 27 41 38 46 57 29 29 4

10 to 19 percent .................................. 38 49 59 47 65 63 58 61 37 29 5

20 percent or more .............................. 51 61 64 47 69 65 51 52 27 23 4

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small 

number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. 

Census Bureau. Percents sum to more than 100 because districts could report multiple reasons students could be transferred to an alternative school or program.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
12

Means for Placement

Table 8. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that reported the placement of a 

student in alternative schools and programs was based to a moderate or large extent on various means, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Means that influence placement to a moderate or large extent

Recommendation of 

district-level 

administrator1

Recommendation of 

regular school 

staff 2

Recommendation of a 

committee of 

teachers, 

administrators, 

and counselors3

Student 

request

Parent 

request

As a result of 

Functional 

Behavioral 

Assessment 

(FBA)

Referral 

by the 

criminal

justice 

system Other

All public school districts with districtadministered alternative schools or programs 54 75 71 41 48 28 23 6

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 62 71 70 40 50 32 27 5

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 49 79 72 39 46 23 18 5

10,000 or more .......................................................... 43 76 69 47 49 24 26 8

Community type

City ............................................................................ 41 76 70 45 54 25 26 9

Suburban ................................................................... 49 74 75 43 50 24 18 6

Town ......................................................................... 60 76 73 49 52 25 25 6

Rural .......................................................................... 57 74 67 33 44 32 24 5

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 50 76 80 39 45 30 20 5

Southeast ................................................................... 49 76 67 17 27 24 19 7

Central ....................................................................... 65 77 73 50 61 34 25 6

West .......................................................................... 50 71 65 50 52 22 25 5

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 67 75 78 41 54 38 26 6

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 52 78 66 51 53 22 21 5

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 45 73 66 33 42 25 23 4

50 percent or more ..................................................... 54 73 73 37 43 25 22 7

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 48 74 77 54 58 26 16 6

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 58 76 68 40 50 28 28 5

20 percent or more .................................................... 54 75 69 32 40 28 22 7 1 Examples of district-level administrators include the Director of Special Education or Director of Alternative Education. 2 Examples of regular school staff include teachers, administrators, or counselors.

3 Examples of a committee of teachers, administrators, and counselors include an education management team or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small 

number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. 

Census Bureau. Percentages were derived by summing two categories, moderate extent and large extent.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
13 

Resolving Parental Objections

Table 9. Percentage distribution of districts with district-administered alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students, by means used to resolve parental objections to student 

placement in an alternative school or program and district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Place the student 

despite parental 

objections

Resolve the 

dispute through 

due process

Withdraw 

placement 

recommendation Other

All public school districts with district- 

 administered alternative schools or 

 programs ....................................................... 13 48 22 17

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 12 47 24 17

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 14 46 22 18

10,000 or more .......................................................... 14 55 19 12

Community type

City ............................................................................ 14 57 17 13

Suburban ................................................................... 9 46 26 19

Town ......................................................................... 11 45 28 16

Rural .......................................................................... 17 48 18 17

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 11 41 22 25

Southeast ................................................................... 26 54 5 15

Central ....................................................................... 8 41 33 18

West .......................................................................... 10 53 24 13

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 13 46 22 19

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 9 38 31 21

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 14 53 16 16

50 percent or more ..................................................... 17 55 19 9 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 10 35 34 22

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 13 51 20 16

20 percent or more ..................................................... 15 54 16 15

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Percentages may 

not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.

 
14 

Policy for Returning to Regular School

Table 10. Percentage distribution of districts with district-administered alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students that reported a policy that allows all, some, or no students 

enrolled to return to a regular school, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Policy allows all 

students to return to a 

regular school

Policy allows some 

students to return to a 

regular school

Policy allows no

students to return to a 

regular school 

All public school districts with district-administered 

 alternative schools or programs ............................ 63 36 1 

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................. 60 39 ‡ 

2,500 to 9,999 ................................................................... 67 32 1 

10,000 or more ................................................................. 66 34 # 

Community type

City ................................................................................... 69 30 ‡ 

Suburban .......................................................................... 61 38 1!

Town ................................................................................ 66 33 ‡ 

Rural ................................................................................. 61 38 ‡ 

Region

Northeast .......................................................................... 66 32 ‡ 

Southeast .......................................................................... 71 29 ‡ 

Central .............................................................................. 53 46 2!

West ................................................................................. 67 32 ‡ 

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ........................................................... 56 42 ‡ 

6 to 20 percent .................................................................. 61 38 1!

21 to 49 percent ................................................................ 65 34 ‡ 

50 percent or more ............................................................ 73 27 ‡ 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ......................................................... 62 35 3!

10 to 19 percent ................................................................ 63 36 ‡ 

20 percent or more ............................................................ 64 36 # 

# Rounds to zero.

! Interpret data with caution; the coefficient of variation is greater than 50 percent.

‡ Reporting standards not met; too few cases for a reliable estimate.

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Percentages may 

not sum to 100 because of rounding.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
15 

Reasons for Returning to Regular School

Table 11. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that 

allowed some or all students to return to regular schools, by factors reported as very important in

determining whether students were able to return to a regular school and district characteristics: School 

year 2007–08

District characteristic

Factors deemed very important in determining whether students were able to return to regular school

Improved 

grades

Improved 

attitude/

behavior

Student 

motivation

to return

Student 

readiness as 

measured by a 

standardized 

assessment

Availability of 

space in regular 

school

Approval of the 

regular school 

administrator or 

counselor

Approval of 

alternative 

school/

program staff 

(e.g., teacher, 

administrator, 

or counselor)

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ...................... 58 78 77 16 4 38 60

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ........................ 60 77 77 19 4 46 59

2,500 to 9,999 .......................... 57 81 80 14 4 34 61

10,000 or more ......................... 51 74 69 12 4 21 60

Community type

City .......................................... 46 73 72 10 4 24 54

Suburban .................................. 63 80 78 18 6 38 65

Town ........................................ 60 76 84 15 2! 38 54

Rural ........................................ 56 79 74 17 4 42 63

Region

Northeast .................................. 55 84 83 10 4 38 61

Southeast .................................. 53 84 71 17 2 38 70

Central ..................................... 64 80 82 13 5 43 58

West ......................................... 55 69 75 21 5 33 55

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................. 61 80 83 15 5 44 59

6 to 20 percent ......................... 54 75 78 13 3 36 54

21 to 49 percent ....................... 55 80 77 17 5 39 66

50 percent or more ................... 61 78 70 20 4 32 62

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ................ 57 71 81 10 5 37 57

10 to 19 percent ....................... 56 77 79 16 4 37 58

20 percent or more ................... 60 84 73 19 3 39 64

! Interpret data with caution; the coefficient of variation is greater than 50 percent.

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 99 percent of the 40 percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs during the 2007–08 

school year that allow some or all students enrolled in alternative schools and programs to return to a regular school. There were a small number of cases for 

which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by 

the U.S. Census Bureau. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative 

Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
16 

Reasons for Leaving

Table 12. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students 

indicating that students leave alternative schools and programs, by reason cited to a moderate or large 

extent and district characteristics: School year 2007–08

District characteristic

Reasons that explain to a moderate to large extent why students leave alternative schools and programs

Returned to 

regular school

Graduated with a 

regular high 

school diploma

Graduated with a 

nonstandard high 

school diploma or 

certificate of 

completion

Transferred to an 

adult education 

or GED1 program

Dropped out 

of school

Were transferred 

to a criminal 

justice facility

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ....................... 68 68 16 19 17 5

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ......................... 64 68 17 20 15 5

2,500 to 9,999 ........................... 71 68 16 17 15 5

10,000 or more .......................... 76 69 14 23 28 6

Community type

City ........................................... 66 69 13 21 30 8

Suburban ................................... 67 74 17 19 12 2

Town ......................................... 64 72 14 22 20 6

Rural ......................................... 72 63 18 18 14 5

Region

Northeast ................................... 62 70 13 21 17 6

Southeast ................................... 92 46 20 24 15 5

Central ...................................... 56 80 19 17 19 6

West .......................................... 67 71 14 18 16 4

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, Asian/ 

 Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ................... 63 73 20 22 17 3

6 to 20 percent .......................... 61 75 17 18 15 4

21 to 49 percent ........................ 70 63 13 18 19 4

50 percent or more .................... 82 61 16 20 16 10

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ................. 55 80 14 16 17 5

10 to 19 percent ........................ 66 71 20 19 16 3

20 percent or more .................... 80 57 14 22 19 7 1 General Educational Development. 

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program during the 2007–08 

school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I 

data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. Percentages were derived by summing two categories, moderate extent and 

large extent. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative 

Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
17 

Databases for Tracking

Table 13. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students that reported having a database to track students after they leave alternative 

schools and programs, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic Percent

All public school districts with district-administered alternative schools or programs ......................... 35

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ....................................................................................................................................... 32

2,500 to 9,999 ......................................................................................................................................... 36

10,000 or more ....................................................................................................................................... 40

Community type

City ......................................................................................................................................................... 41

Suburban ................................................................................................................................................ 36

Town ...................................................................................................................................................... 33

Rural ....................................................................................................................................................... 33

Region

Northeast ................................................................................................................................................ 34

Southeast ................................................................................................................................................ 38

Central .................................................................................................................................................... 30

West ....................................................................................................................................................... 37

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ................................................................................................................................. 32

6 to 20 percent ........................................................................................................................................ 37

21 to 49 percent ...................................................................................................................................... 35

50 percent or more .................................................................................................................................. 35

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................................................................................................................... 30

10 to 19 percent ...................................................................................................................................... 33

20 percent or more .................................................................................................................................. 40

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
18 

Program Requirements

Table 14. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students that reported having various requirements for teaching or educating students in an 

alternative school or program, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08

District characteristic

Have specific 

requirements for 

teaching in alternative 

schools and programs

in addition to regular 

teacher requirements

Have professional 

development 

requirements for 

teaching in alternative 

schools and programs

in addition to those 

required of all 

teachers

Require a written 

learning plan upon 

entry into alternative 

schools and programs 

for some or all students 

beyond those receiving 

special education 

services 

All public school districts with district-administered 

 alternative schools or programs .................................. 30 48 63

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................... 38 51 64

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................................................... 24 45 61

10,000 or more ................................................................... 21 43 67

Community type

City ..................................................................................... 22 44 61

Suburban ............................................................................ 26 47 59

Town .................................................................................. 29 51 66

Rural ................................................................................... 36 47 65

Region

Northeast ............................................................................ 37 44 63

Southeast ............................................................................ 25 45 56

Central ................................................................................ 34 52 65

West ................................................................................... 25 47 67

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................................................. 39 44 65

6 to 20 percent .................................................................... 30 49 59

21 to 49 percent .................................................................. 23 51 64

50 percent or more .............................................................. 27 47 66

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................................................... 32 44 61

10 to 19 percent .................................................................. 29 50 66

20 percent or more .............................................................. 30 48 62

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program 

during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates 

for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
19

Collaboration

Table 15. Percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that collaborated with various 

agencies in order to provide services for enrolled students, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Child 

protective 

services

Community 

mental 

health 

agency

Community 

organization1

Job 

placement 

center

Crisis 

intervention 

center

Drug 

and/or 

alcohol 

clinic

Family 

planning/

child care/ 

child 

placement 

agency

Health 

clinic or 

hospital

Criminal 

justice 

system

Parks and 

recreation 

department

Police or 

sheriff’s 

department Other

All public school districts 

 with district-administered 

 alternative schools or 

 programs ................................. 77 78 46 46 55 60 51 49 80 23 69 6 

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .................................... 75 74 38 41 51 54 49 46 79 16 68 3

2,500 to 9,999 ...................................... 77 80 48 47 55 61 50 51 80 27 69 8

10,000 or more .................................... 82 86 66 57 66 76 63 58 87 34 76 11

Community type

City ...................................................... 79 84 68 58 68 73 65 66 84 38 75 13

Suburban ............................................. 75 80 46 47 59 64 45 47 75 26 60 7

Town ................................................... 82 83 53 48 54 60 59 52 88 25 75 7

Rural .................................................... 73 72 35 40 49 54 46 45 78 17 70 4

Region

Northeast ............................................. 72 82 36 50 59 61 42 48 66 22 56 4

Southeast ............................................. 74 84 41 33 46 52 40 46 82 23 69 8

Central ................................................. 78 71 46 52 55 62 56 47 81 23 69 5 

West .................................................... 80 78 54 46 59 63 60 54 85 24 77 8

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .............................. 71 73 32 45 53 59 46 43 75 18 66 3

6 to 20 percent ..................................... 79 79 46 45 55 60 49 49 79 23 66 6

21 to 49 percent ................................... 77 77 45 43 55 57 53 51 84 20 74 6 

50 percent or more ............................... 80 84 61 50 55 64 59 55 83 32 73 12

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................ 77 78 46 46 55 60 51 49 80 23 69 6

10 to 19 percent ................................... 75 74 38 41 51 54 49 46 79 16 68 3

20 percent or more ............................... 77 80 48 47 55 61 50 51 80 27 69 8 1

Examples include Boys & Girls Clubs, United Way, Lion’s Clubs. 

NOTE: Percentages are based on the 40 percent of districts that reported at least one district-administered alternative school or program during the 2007–08 school year. There were a small 

number of cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Poverty estimates for school districts were based on Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education by the U.S. 

Census Bureau. Percents sum to more than 100 because districts could report collaborations with multiple agencies.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
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21 

References

Kleiner, B., Porch, R., and Farris, E. (2002). Public Alternative Schools and Programs for Students At Risk of 

Educational Failure: 2000–01 (NCES 2002–004). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: 

National Center for Education Statistics.
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A-1 

Appendix A

Standard Error Tables
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A-3 

Administration

Table 1a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with alternative schools and programs for at-risk 

students, by administering entity and district characteristics: School year 2007–08

District characteristic

Alternative schools 

and programs 

administered either 

by the district or by 

another entity 

At least one 

alternative school or 

program administered 

solely by the district

At least one 

alternative school or 

program administered 

solely by another 

entity 

Alternative schools 

and programs 

administered by both 

the district and 

another entity 

All public school districts ................... 1.6 1.1 1.6 0.7

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ..................................... 2.2 1.5 2.1 0.8

2,500 to 9,999 ....................................... 1.1 1.6 1.6 1.5

10,000 or more ..................................... 0.9 1.1 2.0 2.0

Community type

City ....................................................... 1.5 2.4 3.4 3.5

Suburban .............................................. 2.8 2.3 2.8 1.7

Rural ..................................................... 3.1 3.1 2.9 1.8

Town .................................................... 2.4 1.8 2.3 1.0

Region

Northeast .............................................. 3.2 2.4 3.0 1.8

Southeast .............................................. 2.6 3.2 3.1 1.8

Central .................................................. 3.1 2.2 3.1 1.5

West ..................................................... 3.1 2.5 3.0 1.1

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................... 3.5 2.2 2.9 1.4

6 to 20 percent ...................................... 2.9 2.5 2.7 1.2

21 to 49 percent .................................... 3.4 3.6 2.9 1.8

50 percent or more ................................ 2.7 3.4 2.4 1.3

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................. 2.4 2.0 2.5 1.4

10 to 19 percent .................................... 2.3 2.0 2.2 1.0

20 percent or more ................................ 2.6 2.8 2.4 1.3

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08” and “Follow-up District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 

2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-4 

Program Type

Table 2a. Standard errors for the total number of district-administered alternative schools and 

programs for at-risk students and percent of district-administered alternative schools and 

programs, by type and district characteristics: School year 2007–08

District characteristic

Number of 

alternative 

schools and 

programs 

Percent district-administered alternative schools 

and programs that are a specific type 

Housed 

within a 

regular school

Located in 

juvenile 

detention 

centers

Operated as 

charter 

schools

Used 

distance 

education as 

an 

instructional 

delivery 

mode

All public school districts with district- 

 administered alternative schools or 

programs ....................................................... 267.9 1.3 0.4 0.4 1.1

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 220.1 3.0 1.0 1 2.8

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 130.4 1.8 0.6 0.7 1.6

10,000 or more .......................................................... 79.5 1.7 0.6 0.4 0.9

Community type

City ............................................................................ 110.5 2.0 0.8 0.7 1.7

Suburban ................................................................... 125.8 2.3 0.7 0.5 1.1

Town ......................................................................... 173.7 2.9 0.8 1.1 3.1

Rural .......................................................................... 183.7 2.9 1.1 1 2.5

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 124.9 3.1 0.8 0.8 2.3

Southeast ................................................................... 137.8 2.6 0.4 0.4 2.0

Central ....................................................................... 189.6 2.4 0.7 1 3.0

West .......................................................................... 199.9 2.1 0.9 0.8 1.5

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 162.6 3.1 0.9 0.9 3.7

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 211.8 3.0 0.9 0.9 2.5

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 180.2 2.6 1.1 0.9 1.9

50 percent or more ..................................................... 166.4 2.1 0.6 0.6 1.5

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 180.5 2.5 0.6 0.9 2.0

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 203.5 1.8 0.7 0.7 1.9

20 percent or more ..................................................... 202.6 2.5 0.7 0.7 1.8

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-5 

Education Providers

Table 3a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with alternative schools and programs 

administered by entities other than the district that reported using various entities to 

provide alternative education to at-risk students, by district characteristics: School year 

2007–08

District characteristic

A public entity 

(e.g., regional 

program, 

consortium, 

cooperative, or 

another school 

district)

A private entity 

contracted by 

the district

2- or 4-year 

postsecondary 

institution in 

partnership with 

or contracted by

the district Other entities

All public school districts .................................... 1.5 1.8 1.3 0.7

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 2.0 2.5 1.8 1.0

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 2.6 2.6 1.7 0.6

10,000 or more .......................................................... 3.5 4.1 2.2 1.4

Community type

City ............................................................................ 3.6 5.0 3.1 1.8

Suburban ................................................................... 3.0 3.7 1.6 0.9

Town ......................................................................... 3.5 3.8 2.1 † 

Rural .......................................................................... 2.7 3.0 2.1 1.3

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 3.7 4.8 0.9 2.1

Southeast ................................................................... 5.3 6.1 2.8 3.5

Central ....................................................................... 2.5 2.3 2.8 † 

West .......................................................................... 2.8 2.6 1.6 1.9

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 3.4 3.2 2.3 1.3

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 3.1 3.2 2.7 1.7

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 2.8 4.2 2.4 1.4

50 percent or more ..................................................... 2.4 3.4 1.1 0.5

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 2.8 3.7 2.3 † 

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 2.2 2.6 1.9 0.9

20 percent or more ..................................................... 3.2 4.1 2.1 2.6

† Not applicable.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “Follow-up 

District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-6 

Students Served

Table 4a. Standard errors for the total number of students enrolled in public school districts attending 

district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, number of 

students enrolled in district-administered alternative schools and programs and the number 

of those students receiving special education services, and number of students enrolled in 

public school districts attending alternative schools and programs administered by an entity 

other than the district, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Total number 

of students 

enrolled in public 

school districts who 

attend alternative 

schools and programs 

administered 

by the district or 

another entity

Students enrolled in 

alternative schools and programs

administered solely by the district Number of students 

enrolled in a public 

school district who 

attend alternative 

schools and 

programs 

administered solely 

by another entity 

Number of 

students 

Number of students 

enrolled in 

alternative schools 

and programs who 

receive special 

education services 

All public school districts ............. 15,183.3 13,605.2 3,100.8 4,998.6

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................... 6,998.5 7,524.2 1,893.1 2,160.1

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................... 6,406.3 5,676.2 1,425.7 3,162.5 

10,000 or more ................................... 11,847.7 9,803.0 1,993.7 3,211.7

Community type

City ..................................................... 7,241.6 6,424.6 1,617.5 3,206.6

Suburban ............................................ 12,622.3 11,705.8 2,000.6 2,928.2

Town .................................................. 6,603.7 6,464.5 1,476.5 1,387.1

Rural ................................................... 7,813.9 7,676.1 1,343.5 2,231.3

Region

Northeast ............................................ 7,697.7 6,959.5 1,413.0 1,823.0

Southeast ............................................ 6,592.3 5,807.8 1,241.5 1,983.8

Central ................................................ 8,714.7 7,773.4 1,819.7 3,227.8

West ................................................... 11,363.8 10,552.9 2,097.7 2,522.0

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................. 6,377.1 5,860.4 1,071.3 1,486.3

6 to 20 percent .................................... 9,500.9 8,824.3 2,293.2 2,543.8

21 to 49 percent .................................. 12,113.3 10,517.5 2,006.0 3,523.6

50 percent or more .............................. 11,470.0 10,785.2 1,839.8 2,386.2

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................... 9,156.1 8,380.1 1,739.1 2,218.7

10 to 19 percent .................................. 14,076.0 13,292.7 2,313.4 3,147.4

20 percent or more .............................. 11,105.2 10,679.6 2,192.4 2,769.9 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08” and “Follow-up District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 

2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-7 

Grades Served

Table 5a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students reporting the grades taught in the alternative schools and 

programs, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Ungraded

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools 

 or programs ................... 0.2 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.3 1.0 1.2 0.9 0.7

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................... † 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.5 2.3 3.2 3.2 3.0 2.6 1.9 2.3 1.7 1.3

2,500 to 9,999 ............................ † 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8

10,000 or more .......................... 0.8 1.5 2.0 1.8 2.5 2.6 2.4 1.9 2.4 2.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.8

Community type

City ............................................ 0.6 2.2 2.6 2.6 3.1 3.5 3.5 3.9 3.4 2.9 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.1 1.4

Suburban ................................... 0.3 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.8 2.8 3.2 3.1 2.4 1.6 1.7 1.5 0.9

Town ......................................... † 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.8 2.2 3.7 4.1 4.1 2.7 2.2 2.2 2.3 1.4

Rural .......................................... † 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.5 4.0 3.5 3.6 2.5 1.8 2.0 1.6 1.4

Region

Northeast ................................... † 0.4 0.5 1.1 1.0 1.3 1.9 3.2 4.8 4.9 4.0 1.5 2.7 1.8 1.5

Southeast ................................... 0.5 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.8 3.0 3.5 2.3 1.9 0.8 1.2 1.5 1.3 1.2

Central ....................................... 0.6 1.1 1.3 2.0 2.0 1.4 1.8 3.1 4.0 4.1 2.8 2.3 2.5 1.9 1.4

West .......................................... 0.3 1.7 2.0 2.1 2.3 2.2 3.1 3.7 3.9 3.5 2.1 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.5

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, Asian/ 

 Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................... † 1.0 1.1 2.3 2.2 1.1 2.0 3.9 4.5 4.3 3.8 2.3 2.7 2.5 1.3

6 to 20 percent ........................... † 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9 3.0 3.1 3.1 2.7 2.0 1.9 0.6 1.3

21 to 49 percent ......................... 0.4 1.4 1.9 2.0 2.4 2.5 2.9 3.9 3.5 3.0 2.3 2.0 2.1 2.1 1.7

50 percent or more ..................... 0.3 1.7 2.1 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.7 4.1 3.9 3.2 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................. 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 2.5 3.0 3.1 2.8 2.0 1.8 0.9 1.3

10 to 19 percent ......................... 0.3 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.8 2.5 2.8 2.9 1.8 1.4 1.6 1.4 1.1

20 percent or more ..................... 0.3 1.3 1.7 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.5 3.4 3.0 2.2 2.2 2.0 2.8 2.0 1.4

† Not applicable.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008. 
A-8 

Enrollment Limitations

Table 6a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students that were unable to enroll new students because of 

staffing or space limitations, by district characteristics: School year 2007–08

District characteristic Percent

All public school districts with district-administered alternative schools or programs ................................. 1.5

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................................................................................................... 2.7

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2.1

10,000 or more ................................................................................................................................................... 2.1

Community type

City ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3.2

Suburban ............................................................................................................................................................ 3.0

Town .................................................................................................................................................................. 3.4

Rural ................................................................................................................................................................... 3.0

Region

Northeast ............................................................................................................................................................ 3.6

Southeast ............................................................................................................................................................ 3.1

Central ................................................................................................................................................................ 3.1

West ................................................................................................................................................................... 2.8

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................................................................................................................................. 4.1

6 to 20 percent .................................................................................................................................................... 3.3

21 to 49 percent .................................................................................................................................................. 3.1

50 percent or more .............................................................................................................................................. 2.9

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................................................................................................................................... 2.8

10 to 19 percent .................................................................................................................................................. 2.5

20 percent or more .............................................................................................................................................. 2.6

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-9 

Reasons for Transfer

Table 7a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, by 

reported individual reasons that students could be transferred to an alternative school or program and district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Possession 

or use of a 

firearm

Possession 

or use of a 

weapon 

other than a 

firearm

Possession, 

distribution, or use 

of alcohol 

or drugs 

(excluding 

tobacco)

Arrest or 

involvement with 

the 

criminal 

justice 

system

Physical 

attacks or 

fights

Disruptive 

verbal 

behavior

Chronic 

truancy

Continual 

academic 

failure

Pregnancy/

teen 

parenthood

Mental 

health

needs Other

All public school districts with 

 district-administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ................................ 2.1 2.1 2.0 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.2 1.9 1.8 1.9 0.6

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................... 4.1 4.2 3.9 3.1 3.6 3.9 4.2 3.4 3.3 3.6 0.9

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................... 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.4 2.1 2.3 2.7 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.1

10,000 or more ................................... 1.9 1.7 1.6 2.4 1.7 1.8 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 1.0

Community type

City ..................................................... 3.1 3.1 3.1 2.9 2.9 3.2 3.3 3.0 3.2 3.3 1.4

Suburban ............................................ 3.0 2.9 3.0 2.4 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2 2.8 2.9 1.1

Town .................................................. 3.9 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.1 3.8 4.3 4.1 3.5 3.6 1.7

Rural ................................................... 4.6 4.7 3.8 3.2 3.7 3.9 4.6 3.7 3.8 4.0 0.9

Region

Northeast ............................................ 5.2 5.3 5.2 4.3 5.3 5.1 5.4 4.0 3.1 4.0 1.4

Southeast ............................................ 3.5 2.7 2.8 3.3 2.8 3.0 3.7 3.6 2.5 2.8 1.8

Central ................................................ 3.6 3.5 2.9 3.3 3.0 3.5 3.6 2.9 3.6 4.0 1.1

West ................................................... 3.6 3.9 3.2 3.6 3.2 3.6 4.0 3.6 3.3 3.2 0.8

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................. 5.3 5.3 5.3 4.8 5.4 5.4 5.7 3.7 3.9 4.7 1.2

6 to 20 percent .................................... 3.3 3.2 3.8 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.2 3.2 3.3 1.4

21 to 49 percent .................................. 3.6 4.1 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.0 4.2 2.9 3.4 3.5 1.2

50 percent or more .............................. 3.4 3.6 3.4 3.4 2.9 3.2 4.3 3.9 3.3 3.2 1.4

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................... 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.8 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.2 2.9 3.2 1.0

10 to 19 percent .................................. 3.1 3.5 3.0 2.9 2.8 3.1 3.3 2.7 3.0 2.8 1.0

20 percent or more .............................. 3.0 3.1 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.3 4.2 3.9 3.3 3.6 1.2

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
A-10 

Means for Placement

Table 8a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that 

reported the placement of a student in alternative schools and programs was based to a moderate or large extent on various means, 

by district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Means that influence placement to moderate or large extent

Recommendation of 

district-level 

administrator

Recommendation of 

regular school 

staff 

Recommendation of a 

committee of 

teachers, 

administrators, 

and counselors 

Student 

request

Parent 

request

As a result of 

Functional 

Behavioral 

Assessment 

(FBA)

Referral 

by the 

criminal

justice 

system Other

All public school districts with districtadministered alternative schools or programs 2.1 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.8 2.0 1.5 0.9

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.3 3.7 2.8 1.6

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 2.0 1.6 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.2 1.8 1.3

10,000 or more .......................................................... 2.6 2.0 2.4 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.5 1.6

Community type

City ............................................................................ 3.3 2.5 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.6 2.8 2.1

Suburban ................................................................... 2.9 2.7 2.5 3.1 3.0 2.5 2.3 1.4

Town ......................................................................... 4.2 3.8 3.1 3.7 4.2 2.9 3.4 1.8

Rural .......................................................................... 3.4 4.0 3.7 3.0 3.1 3.9 3.3 1.5

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 5.3 4.6 3.5 4.5 4.6 4.1 3.4 2.3

Southeast ................................................................... 3.4 3.0 3.2 2.1 3.1 3.4 3.2 2.1

Central ....................................................................... 3.3 3.5 3.3 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.8 1.6

West .......................................................................... 3.9 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.7 2.9 2.9 1.2

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 3.8 4.6 3.1 4.5 4.1 4.1 3.8 2.0

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 3.7 2.8 3.5 3.4 3.1 3.3 3.5 1.4

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 3.2 3.3 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.7 1.3

50 percent or more ..................................................... 3.8 3.1 3.0 2.9 4.0 3.1 2.7 1.6

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 3.5 3.2 3.0 3.6 3.4 3.6 2.5 1.3

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 3.2 2.2 3.1 2.5 2.6 3.4 2.5 1.3

20 percent or more .................................................... 3.3 3.1 3.6 3.6 4.0 2.9 2.8 1.5

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
A-11 

Resolving Parental Objections

Table 9a. Standard errors for the percentage distribution of districts with district-administered 

alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, by means used to resolve parental 

objections to student placement in an alternative school or program and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Place the student 

despite parental 

objections

Resolve the 

dispute through 

due process

Withdraw 

placement 

recommendation Other

All public school districts with district- 

 administered alternative schools or 

 programs ....................................................... 1.3 1.7 1.5 1.5

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .......................................................... 2.2 3.1 2.8 2.8

2,500 to 9,999 ............................................................ 1.7 1.9 1.8 1.6

10,000 or more .......................................................... 1.2 2.4 1.5 1.5

Community type

City ............................................................................ 2.2 3.3 2.6 2.2

Suburban ................................................................... 1.8 2.6 2.7 2.4

Town ......................................................................... 2.3 3.6 3.5 2.6

Rural .......................................................................... 2.5 3.5 3.0 3.0

Region

Northeast ................................................................... 2.6 4.7 3.9 4.1

Southeast ................................................................... 3.0 3.5 1.6 2.1

Central ....................................................................... 2.1 3.5 3.2 3.1

West .......................................................................... 2.1 3.4 2.7 2.3

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .................................................... 3.2 4.2 3.1 3.9

6 to 20 percent ........................................................... 1.8 3.9 3.4 2.9

21 to 49 percent ......................................................... 2.7 3.3 2.5 2.4

50 percent or more ..................................................... 2.5 3.9 3.2 2.2

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent .................................................. 2.7 3.2 2.8 2.5

10 to 19 percent ......................................................... 1.9 2.8 2.9 1.9

20 percent or more ..................................................... 1.9 3.1 2.6 2.6

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008. 
A-12 

Policy for Returning to Regular School

Table 10a. Standard errors for the percentage distribution of districts with district-administered 

alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that reported a policy that allows all, 

some, or no students enrolled to return to a regular school, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Policy allows all 

students to return to a 

regular school

Policy allows some 

students to return to a 

regular school

Policy allows no 

students to return to a 

regular school

All public school districts with district-administered 

 alternative schools or programs ............................ 1.9 1.9 0.4

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................. 3.6 3.6 † 

2,500 to 9,999 ................................................................... 1.8 1.8 0.4

10,000 or more ................................................................. 2.5 2.6 † 

Community type

City ................................................................................... 3.1 3.2 † 

Suburban .......................................................................... 2.9 3.0 0.7

Town ................................................................................ 3.6 3.5 † 

Rural ................................................................................. 3.5 3.4 † 

Region

Northeast .......................................................................... 4.4 4.4 † 

Southeast .......................................................................... 3.2 3.2 † 

Central .............................................................................. 4.2 4.3 1.2

West ................................................................................. 3.2 3.2 † 

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ........................................................... 4.6 4.5 † 

6 to 20 percent .................................................................. 3.3 3.4 0.5

21 to 49 percent ................................................................ 3.1 3.1 † 

50 percent or more ............................................................ 3.7 3.7 † 

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ......................................................... 4.1 4.0 1.5

10 to 19 percent ................................................................ 2.4 2.3 † 

20 percent or more ............................................................ 3.4 3.4 † 

† Not applicable.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-13 

Reasons for Returning to Regular School

Table 11a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for 

at-risk students that allowed some or all students to return to regular schools, by factors reported as very 

important in determining whether students were able to return to a regular school and district 

characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Factors deemed very important in determining whether students were able to return to regular school

Improved 

grades

Improved 

attitude/

behavior

Student 

motivation

to return

Student 

readiness as 

measured by a 

standardized 

assessment

Availability 

of space in 

regular school

Approval of 

the regular 

school 

administrator 

or counselor

Approval of 

alternative 

school/

program staff 

(e.g., teacher, 

administrator, 

or counselor)

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ...................... 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.5 0.7 1.8 2.0

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ........................ 3.6 3.4 3.1 2.6 1.2 3.4 3.9

2,500 to 9,999 .......................... 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.0 1.8 1.7

10,000 or more ......................... 1.9 2.4 1.9 1.5 0.9 1.8 2.2

Community type

City .......................................... 3.3 3.2 3.1 2.0 1.1 3.4 3.6

Suburban .................................. 3.5 3.1 2.6 2.4 1.4 2.8 2.6

Town ........................................ 3.5 3.0 2.7 3.2 1.1 4.0 4.2

Rural ........................................ 3.4 3.0 3.0 2.7 1.4 3.5 3.9

Region

Northeast .................................. 4.0 4.0 3.7 2.5 1.6 5.0 5.2

Southeast .................................. 3.7 2.7 3.1 2.5 0.7 3.2 3.2

Central ...................................... 3.1 2.7 2.8 2.4 1.5 4.0 3.8

West ......................................... 3.5 3.7 2.7 3.0 1.4 2.8 3.3

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, Asian/ 

 Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ................... 3.9 3.4 3.1 3.7 1.7 5.2 5.4

6 to 20 percent .......................... 3.6 3.2 3.0 2.6 1.0 3.5 3.6

21 to 49 percent ........................ 2.9 3.2 3.0 2.6 1.8 3.4 3.2

50 percent or more ................... 3.4 3.6 3.2 3.3 0.9 3.6 3.5

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ................. 3.4 3.3 2.9 2.3 1.5 3.5 3.7

10 to 19 percent ........................ 3.2 2.9 2.4 2.1 1.2 2.9 3.2

20 percent or more ................... 3.9 2.9 2.9 2.8 1.2 3.3 3.2

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative 

Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-14 

Reasons for Leaving

Table 12a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for 

at-risk students indicating that students leave alternative schools and programs, by reason cited to a 

moderate or large extent and district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Reasons that explain to a moderate to large extent why students leave alternative schools and programs

Returned to 

regular school

Graduated with a 

regular high 

school diploma

Graduated with a 

nonstandard high 

school diploma or 

certificate of 

completion

Transferred to an 

adult education 

or GED program

Dropped out 

of school

Were transferred 

to a criminal 

justice facility

All public school districts 

 with district- 

 administered 

 alternative schools or 

programs ...................... 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.5 0.8

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ........................ 3.8 3.2 2.7 3.2 2.7 1.4

2,500 to 9,999 .......................... 1.5 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.9

10,000 or more ......................... 1.7 2.4 1.8 2.3 2.4 0.7

Community type

City .......................................... 3.1 3.2 2.2 3.1 3.0 1.5

Suburban .................................. 2.5 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.0 0.8

Town ........................................ 4.0 3.7 2.4 3.0 3.5 1.8

Rural ........................................ 4.0 3.4 2.7 2.9 2.5 1.4

Region

Northeast .................................. 4.0 4.5 3.0 4.9 4.1 1.5

Southeast .................................. 1.9 3.4 3.0 3.1 2.3 1.3

Central ...................................... 4.1 2.8 2.9 2.8 2.9 2.0

West ......................................... 3.0 3.3 2.0 2.2 2.3 1.1

Percent combined enrollment 

 of Black, Hispanic, Asian/ 

 Pacific Islander, or 

 American Indian/

Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ................... 4.9 4.2 3.5 4.3 3.1 1.3

6 to 20 percent .......................... 3.3 2.8 2.9 2.5 2.6 1.3

21 to 49 percent ........................ 3.4 3.4 2.3 2.8 2.3 1.1

50 percent or more ................... 3.2 3.1 2.4 3.1 2.6 2.6

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ................. 3.5 2.8 2.6 3.1 2.8 1.5

10 to 19 percent ........................ 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.6 2.0 0.8

20 percent or more ................... 2.4 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.5 1.6

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative 

Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-15 

Databases for Tracking

Table 13a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students that reported having a database to track students after 

they leave alternative schools and programs, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic Percent

All public school districts with district-administered alternative schools or programs ......................... 1.8

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ....................................................................................................................................... 3.4

2,500 to 9,999 ......................................................................................................................................... 2.0

10,000 or more ....................................................................................................................................... 2.0

Community type

City ......................................................................................................................................................... 3.4

Suburban ................................................................................................................................................ 2.7

Town ...................................................................................................................................................... 3.9

Rural ....................................................................................................................................................... 3.2

Region

Northeast ................................................................................................................................................ 3.8

Southeast ................................................................................................................................................ 3.7

Central .................................................................................................................................................... 3.4

West ....................................................................................................................................................... 3.3

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ................................................................................................................................. 3.8

6 to 20 percent ........................................................................................................................................ 3.1

21 to 49 percent ...................................................................................................................................... 3.5

50 percent or more .................................................................................................................................. 3.4

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................................................................................................................... 2.9

10 to 19 percent ...................................................................................................................................... 2.9

20 percent or more .................................................................................................................................. 3.5

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-16 

Program Requirements

Table 14a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools 

and programs for at-risk students that reported having various requirements for teaching 

or educating students in an alternative school or program, by district characteristics: 

School year 2007–08 

District characteristic

Have specific 

requirements for 

teaching in alternative 

schools and programs 

in addition to regular 

teacher requirements 

Have professional 

development 

requirements for 

teaching in alternative 

schools and programs 

in addition to those 

required of all 

teachers 

Require a written 

learning plan upon 

entry into alternative 

schools and programs 

for some or all students 

beyond those receiving 

special education 

services 

All public school districts with district-administered 

 alternative schools or programs .................................. 1.8 1.9 1.4

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ................................................................... 3.5 3.6 2.4

2,500 to 9,999 ..................................................................... 1.8 2.3 2.3

10,000 or more ................................................................... 2.0 2.3 2.0

Community type

City ..................................................................................... 3.2 3.1 3.3

Suburban ............................................................................ 2.5 3.1 3.2

Town .................................................................................. 3.8 3.7 3.8

Rural ................................................................................... 3.2 3.9 2.9

Region

Northeast ............................................................................ 4.7 5.4 4.0

Southeast ............................................................................ 3.3 3.5 3.9

Central ................................................................................ 4.6 3.9 3.4

West ................................................................................... 2.9 3.5 2.7

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent ............................................................. 4.5 4.6 3.7

6 to 20 percent .................................................................... 3.5 3.9 3.1

21 to 49 percent .................................................................. 2.9 3.7 3.1

50 percent or more .............................................................. 3.4 3.3 3.8

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ........................................................... 3.6 3.5 3.5

10 to 19 percent .................................................................. 2.8 3.5 3.0

20 percent or more .............................................................. 3.2 2.8 3.1

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District 

Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.
A-17

Collaboration

Table 15a. Standard errors for the percent of districts with district-administered alternative schools and programs for at-risk students that 

collaborated with various agencies in order to provide services for enrolled students, by district characteristics: School year 

2007–08

District characteristic

Child 

protective 

services

Community 

mental 

health 

agency

Community 

organization 

Job 

placement 

center

Crisis 

intervention 

center

Drug 

and/or 

alcohol 

clinic

Family 

planning/

child care/ 

child 

placement 

agency

Health 

clinic or 

hospital

Criminal 

justice 

system

Parks and 

recreation 

department

Police or 

sheriff’s 

department Other

All public school districts 

 with district-administered 

 alternative schools or 

 programs ................................. 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.1 1.8 1.7 2.1 2.0 1.6 1.8 1.9 0.7

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 .................................... 3.5 3.6 3.6 4.1 3.5 3.1 3.9 3.7 3.1 3.6 3.8 1.0

2,500 to 9,999 ...................................... 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.0 2.3 2.2 2.5 2.5 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.2

10,000 or more .................................... 1.6 1.7 2.1 2.1 1.6 2.3 2.4 2.0 1.3 2.2 1.5 1.3

Community type

City ...................................................... 2.4 2.6 3.2 2.8 2.8 3.0 3.3 2.8 2.5 2.9 3.0 2.2

Suburban ............................................. 2.9 2.2 3.3 3.3 3.5 3.0 3.3 3.3 3.3 2.6 3.4 1.3

Town ................................................... 2.9 3.2 4.6 4.8 3.7 4.1 4.3 3.9 2.3 4.2 3.1 1.7

Rural .................................................... 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.5 3.3 3.5 3.8 3.2 3.2 2.3 3.7 1.0

Region

Northeast ............................................. 4.5 3.7 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.3 5.4 5.5 4.5 4.1 4.4 1.3

Southeast ............................................. 3.0 2.4 3.3 2.9 3.4 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.0 3.3 3.2 1.6

Central ................................................. 3.9 3.6 3.7 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.0 3.7 3.2 3.3 3.3 1.0

West .................................................... 2.9 3.3 3.5 3.5 3.1 2.9 2.9 3.5 2.2 2.9 2.7 1.5

Percent combined enrollment of 

 Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific 

 Islander, or American Indian/ 

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent .............................. 4.5 3.6 4.0 4.8 4.4 4.3 5.1 4.7 4.4 3.8 4.2 1.0

6 to 20 percent ..................................... 3.1 3.0 3.4 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.2 2.5 3.0 3.3 1.3

21 to 49 percent ................................... 3.6 4.2 3.6 3.2 3.1 2.9 3.7 3.4 2.3 3.1 3.0 1.4

50 percent or more ............................... 2.8 2.7 3.3 4.2 4.6 3.9 3.3 3.7 2.5 3.0 3.3 2.1

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent ............................ 3.4 3.8 3.9 3.8 4.2 4.0 3.6 4.1 3.2 3.4 3.6 1.2

10 to 19 percent ................................... 3.3 2.9 3.1 3.7 2.9 3.0 3.6 2.9 2.9 2.4 3.2 1.2

20 percent or more ............................... 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.3 3.6 2.6 2.6 2.9 1.2

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” 

FRSS 96, 2008.
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B-1 

Appendix B

Technical Notes
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B-3 

Technical Notes

Fast Response Survey System

The Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) was established in 1975 by the National Center for 

Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. FRSS is designed to collect issue-oriented data 

within a relatively short time frame. FRSS collects data from state education agencies, local education 

agencies, public and private elementary and secondary schools, public school teachers, and public libraries. To 

ensure minimal burden on respondents, the surveys are generally limited to three pages of questions, with a 

response burden of about 30 minutes per respondent. Sample sizes are relatively small (usually about 1,200 to 

1,800 respondents per survey) so that data collection can be completed quickly. Data are weighted to produce 

national estimates of the sampled education sector. The sample size permits limited breakouts by classification 

variables. However, as the number of categories within the classification variables increases, the sample size 

within categories decreases, which results in larger sampling errors for the breakouts by classification 

variables. 

Sample Design 

The sample for the FRSS District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08 (referred to 

hereafter as the initial 2007–08 survey) consisted of 1,806 public school districts in the 50 states and the 

District of Columbia. The nationally representative sample was selected from the 2005–06 NCES Common 

Core of Data (CCD) Local Education Agency (School District) Universe file, which was the most current file 

available at the time of selection. The sampling frame included 13,799 regular public school districts. For 

purposes of this study, “regular” school districts included any local school district that was not a component of 

a supervisory union (i.e., Education Agency type 1 on the CCD) or was a local school district component of a 

supervisory union sharing a superintendent and administrative services with other local school districts (i.e., 

Education Agency type 2 on the CCD). Excluded from the sampling frame were districts in the outlying U.S. 

territories and districts with no enrollments or missing enrollments. 

The school district sampling frame was stratified by the presence or absence of alternative schools in the 

CCD file and whether or not the district serves only elementary grades. Within each of the four categories 

created by this cross-classification, the sample was allocated to size strata in rough proportion to the aggregate 

square root of the enrollment in the stratum. Districts in the sampling frame were then sorted by metropolitan 

status4

 and region to induce additional implicit stratification. Within each primary stratum, districts were 

selected systematically and with equal probabilities. 

In addition to district-administered alternative schools and programs, alternative education for students 

at risk of educational failure could be provided through alternative schools and programs administered by 

entities other than the district. To provide a more complete picture of the total number of alternative schools 

and programs and the total number of students served, a follow-up survey on the use of alternative schools and 

programs run by entities other than the district was conducted after the initial data collection. The sample for 

the follow-up survey consisted of all eligible districts that responded to the initial 2007–08 survey (1,698). 

 

4 The variable Metropolitan status, based on the 2005–06 CCD variable MSC05, was used in sampling. Estimates presented by Community type 

in this report are based on the urban-centric district locale variable discussed further in the Definitions of Analysis Variables section of this 

report.
B-4 

Data Collection and Response Rates

Questionnaires and cover letters for the initial study were mailed to the superintendent of each sampled 

school district in August 2008. The letter introduced the study and requested that the questionnaire be 

completed by the person most knowledgeable about alternative schools and programs in the district for 

students at risk of educational failure. Respondents were offered the option of completing the survey via the 

Web. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was initiated in September 2008 and 

completed in January 2009. 

Questionnaires and cover letters for the follow-up study were mailed in April 2009 to the respondents 

who completed the initial 2007–08 survey. A Web completion option was not offered for the follow-up 

survey. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was initiated in May 2009 and 

completed in August 2009. 

Of the 1,806 districts in the sample, 9 districts were found to be ineligible for the survey because they 

had merged with another district and 1 additional district was found to be ineligible because it only served 

students who received special education services (i.e., it was not a regular school district). This left a total of 

1,796 eligible districts in the sample. Completed questionnaires for the initial 2007–08 survey were received 

from 1,698 districts, or 95 percent of the eligible districts (table B-1). Of the districts that completed the initial 

2007–08 survey, 37 percent completed it via the Web, 39 percent completed it by mail, 13 percent completed it 

by fax, and 11 percent completed it by telephone. The weighted response rate was 96 percent. For the followup survey, completed questionnaires were received from 1,679 districts, or 99 percent of the districts that 

responded to the initial 2007–08 survey. Of the districts that completed the follow-up survey, 74 percent 

completed it by mail, 3 percent completed it by fax, and 22 percent completed it by telephone. For districts 

that did not respond to the follow-up survey, the missing information was treated as item nonresponse. The 

weighted number of eligible districts in the survey represents the estimated universe of public school districts 

in the 50 states and the District of Columbia with one or more regular schools.5

Table B-1. Number and percent of responding public school districts in the study sample, and 

estimated number and percent of public school districts the sample represents, by selected 

district characteristics: School year 2007–08 

Selected characteristic

Respondent sample (unweighted) National estimate (weighted)

Number Percent Number Percent

All public school districts............................................... 1,698 100 13,500 100

District enrollment size

Less than 2,500 ..................................................................... 738 43 9,600 71

2,500 to 9,999 ....................................................................... 598 35 3,100 23

10,000 or more...................................................................... 362 21 900 6 

Community type

City ....................................................................................... 224 13 700 5 

Suburban............................................................................... 493 29 2,900 21

Town..................................................................................... 314 18 2,500 19

Rural ..................................................................................... 667 39 7,500 55

Region

Northeast............................................................................... 349 21 2,900 21

Southeast............................................................................... 302 18 1,600 12

Central .................................................................................. 538 32 5,100 38

West...................................................................................... 509 30 4,000 29

See notes at end of table.

 

5 For more details about the development of survey weights, see the section of this report on Sampling Errors.
B-5 

Table B-1. Number and percent of responding public school districts in the study sample, and 

estimated number and percent of public school districts the sample represents, by selected 

district characteristics: School year 2007–08—Continued

Selected characteristic

Respondent sample (unweighted) National estimate (weighted)

Number Percent Number Percent

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, 

 Asian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/

 Alaska Native students

Less than 6 percent................................................................ 479 28 5,300 39

6 to 20 percent....................................................................... 467 28 3,600 26

21 to 49 percent..................................................................... 374 22 2,500 18

50 percent or more ................................................................ 378 22 2,200 16

Poverty concentration

Less than 10 percent.............................................................. 524 31 3,900 29

10 to 19 percent..................................................................... 699 41 5,800 43

20 percent or more ................................................................ 469 28 3,800 28

NOTE: There were a few cases for which poverty concentration was missing. Detail may not sum to totals because of rounding or missing data 

for poverty concentration. 

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of 

Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08,” FRSS 96, 2008.

Imputation for Item Nonresponse

Although item nonresponse for key items was very low, missing data were imputed for the items with a 

response rate of less than 100 percent (table B-2).6

 The missing items included both categorical data, such as 

whether districts had alternative schools and programs designed to serve students who were highly disruptive, 

as well as numerical data, such as the number of students enrolled in the district who attended alternative 

schools and programs administered by an entity other than the district. The missing data were imputed using a 

“hot-deck” approach to obtain a “donor” district from which the imputed values were derived. Under the hotdeck approach, a donor district that matched selected characteristics of the district with missing data (the 

recipient district) was identified. The matching characteristics included community type, geographic region, 

district enrollment size, percent enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American 

Indian/Alaska Native students, poverty concentration, and alternative school status (indicating the presence of 

an alternative school as found on the CCD files). In addition, relevant questionnaire items were used to form 

appropriate imputation groupings. Once a donor was found, it was used to obtain the imputed values for the 

district with missing data. The imputed values were the corresponding value from the donor district. 

 

6 Per NCES standards, all missing questionnaire data are imputed.
B-6 

Table B-2. Percent of cases with imputed data in the study sample, and percent of cases with imputed 

data the sample represents, by questionnaire item: School year 2007–08 

Questionnaire item

Respondent 

sample

(unweighted)

National 

estimate

(weighted)

Question 5. In your district, were there any alternative schools and programs in 2007–08 designed 

solely for:

Q5e Students who were highly disruptive? ..................................................................................... 0.06 0.06

Question 10. Can students in your district be transferred to alternative schools and programs solely on 

the basis of any of the following reasons?

Q10g Chronic truancy ....................................................................................................................... 0.06 0.04

Q10i Pregnancy/teen parenthood ...................................................................................................... 0.06 0.08

Q10j Mental health needs ................................................................................................................. 0.06 0.06

Question 11. To what extent are students are placed in alternative schools and programs through the 

following means?

Q11a Recommendation of district-level administrator (e.g., Director of Special Education or 

Director of Alternative Education) .......................................................................................... 0.06 0.08

Q11b Recommendation of regular school staff (e.g., teacher, administrator, or counselor)............... 0.12 0.09

Q11d Student request ........................................................................................................................ 0.18 0.24

Q11e Parent request .......................................................................................................................... 0.18 0.22

Q11f A result of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) ............................................................. 0.24 0.31

Q11g Referral by the criminal justice system .................................................................................... 0.06 0.08

Question 14. According to your district’s policy, how important are each of the following in 

determining whether a student is able to return to a regular school? 

Q14a Improved grades ...................................................................................................................... 0.06 0.04

Q14b Improved attitude/behavior ...................................................................................................... 0.06 0.04

Q14d Student readiness as measured by a standardized assessment .................................................. 0.06 0.02

Q14f Approval of the regular school administrator or counselor ...................................................... 0.18 0.09

Q14g Approval of alternative school/program staff (e.g., teacher, administrator, or counselor) ....... 0.06 0.02

Question 15. When students leave an alternative school or program in your district, to what extent do 

they leave because....

Q15c They graduated with a nonstandard high school diploma or certificate of completion? .......... 0.06 0.02

Q15d They transferred to an adult education or GED program? ....................................................... 0.06 0.02

Q15e They dropped out of school? ................................................................................................... 0.06 0.14

Q15f They were transferred to a criminal justice facility? ................................................................ 0.12 0.16

Q16. Does your district have a database to track students after they leave alternative schools 

and programs? ........................................................................................................................... 0.12 0.06

Q18. Does your district have ongoing professional development requirements for teaching in 

an alternative school or program, in addition to those required of all teachers? ................. 0.06 0.04

Q19. Is a written learning plan required for students who are not special education students 

upon entry into an alternative school or program in your district? ...................................... 0.06 0.04

Question 20. Does your district collaborate with any of the following agencies to provide services to 

students in alternative schools and programs?

Q20c Community organization (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Lion’s Club) ....................... 0.06 0.01

Q20g Family planning/child care/child placement agency................................................................. 0.06 0.04

Q20h Health clinic or hospital............................................................................................................ 0.06 0.04

Q20j Parks and recreation department............................................................................................... 0.06 0.02

See notes at end of table.
B-7 

Table B-2. Percent of cases with imputed data in the study sample, and percent of cases with imputed 

data the sample represents, by questionnaire item: School year 2007–08—Continued

Questionnaire item

Respondent 

sample

(unweighted)

National 

estimate

(weighted)

Question 21. According to district policy, are any of the following services or practices required to be 

made routinely available in alternative schools and programs? 

Q21a Smaller class size than regular schools .................................................................................... 0.06 0.08

Q21e Career counseling .................................................................................................................... 0.12 0.04

Q21g Substance abuse counseling ..................................................................................................... 0.06 0.12

Q21h Crisis/behavioral intervention................................................................................................... 0.06 0.04

Q21j Peer mediation ......................................................................................................................... 0.12 0.16

Q21m Evening or weekend classes .................................................................................................... 0.06 0.04

Q21n Curricula leading toward a regular high school diploma .......................................................... 0.06 0.14

Q21o Preparation for the GED exam.................................................................................................. 0.06 0.04

Q21q Opportunity to take classes at other schools, colleges, or local institutions.............................. 0.06 0.02

Q21r Security personnel on site......................................................................................................... 0.06 0.02

Q21s Opportunities for self-paced instruction ................................................................................... 0.06 0.02

Q21t Opportunities for alternative modes of learning (e.g., Internet-based curriculum, group or 

service learning projects).......................................................................................................... 0.06 0.03

FQ1. During the 2007–08 school year, were there any students enrolled in your district who 

attended an alternative school or program that was administered by an entity other than 

your district? .............................................................................................................................. 1.12 0.94

FQ2. As of October 1, 2007, how many students enrolled in your district attended an 

alternative school or program administered by an entity other than your district?........... 1.24 0.98

FQ3. During the 2007–08 school year, which of the following entities administered these 

alternative schools and programs attended by students enrolled in your district?

FQ3a A public entity such as a regional program, consortium, cooperative, or another school 

district....................................................................................................................................... 1.12 0.94

FQ3b A private entity contracted by the district................................................................................. 1.12 0.94

FQ3c Two- or 4-year postsecondary institutions in partnership with or contracted by the district..... 1.12 0.94

FQ3d Other(specify)........................................................................................................................... 1.12 0.94

NOTE: Data were imputed using hot-deck imputation procedures. All questionnaire item names preceded by “F” (e.g., FQ1) were asked in the 

follow-up survey.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Response Survey System (FRSS), “District Survey of 

Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08” FRSS 96, 2008.

Data Reliability 

Although the district survey on alternative schools and programs was designed to account for sampling 

error and to minimize nonsampling error, estimates produced from the data collected are subject to both types 

of error. Sampling error occurs because the data are collected from a sample rather than a census of the 

population, and nonsampling errors are errors made during the collection and processing of the data. 

Sampling Errors

The responses were weighted to produce national estimates (table B-1). The weights were designed to 

reflect the variable probabilities of selection of the sampled districts and were adjusted for differential unit 

(questionnaire) nonresponse. The nonresponse weighting adjustments were made within classes defined by 

variables used in sampling and expected to be correlated with response propensity: district level (i.e., 

elementary or unified/secondary), presence of one or more alternative schools in the CCD School Universe 
B-8 

file, district size class, metropolitan status of the district, and region. Within the final weighting classes, the 

base weights (i.e., the reciprocal of districts’ probabilities of selection) of the responding districts were inflated 

by the inverse of the weighted response rate for the class. The findings in this report are estimates based on the 

sample selected and, consequently, are subject to sampling variability. Jackknife replication was used to 

estimate the sampling variability of the estimates and to test for statistically significant differences between 

estimates. 

The standard error is a measure of the variability of an estimate due to sampling. It indicates the 

variability of a sample estimate that would be obtained from all possible samples of a given design and size. 

Standard errors are used as a measure of the precision expected from a particular sample. If all possible 

samples were surveyed under similar conditions, intervals of 1.96 standard errors below to 1.96 standard errors 

above a particular statistic would include the true population parameter being estimated in about 95 percent of 

the samples. This is a 95 percent confidence interval. For example, the estimated percent of districts with 

district-administered alternative schools and programs is 39.8 percent, and the standard error is 1.14 percent 

(tables 1 and 1a). The 95 percent confidence interval for the statistic extends from [39.8 – (1.14 x 1.96)] to 

[39.8 + (1.14 x 1.96)], or from 37.6 to 42.0 percent. The 1.96 is the critical value for a statistical test at the 

0.05 significance level (where 0.05 indicates the 5 percent of all possible samples that would be outside the 

range of the confidence interval). 

Because the data from the FRSS district survey on alternative schools and programs were collected 

using a complex sampling design, the variances of the estimates from this survey (e.g., estimates of 

proportions) are typically different from what would be expected from data collected with a simple random 

sample. Not taking the complex sample design into account can lead to an underestimation of the standard 

errors associated with such estimates. To generate accurate standard errors for the estimates in this report, 

standard errors were computed using a technique known as jackknife replication. As with any replication 

method, jackknife replication involves constructing a number of subsamples (replicates) from the full sample 

and computing the statistic of interest for each replicate. The mean square error of the replicate estimates 

around the full sample estimate provides an estimate of the variance of the statistic. To construct the 

replications, 100 stratified subsamples of the full sample were created and then dropped one at a time to define 

100 jackknife replicates. A computer program (WesVar) was used to calculate the estimates of standard 

errors. 

All specific statements of comparisons made in this report have been tested for statistical significance at 

the .05 level using Student’s t-statistic to ensure that the differences are larger than those that might be 

expected due to sampling variation. Adjustments for multiple comparisons were not included. Student’s t 

values were computed to test the difference between estimates with the following formula: 

2

2

2

1

21

sese

EE

t

+

− =

where E1 and E2 are the estimates to be compared and se1 and se2 are their corresponding standard errors. 

Many of the variables examined are related to one another, and complex interactions and relationships have not 

been explored. 

 

Nonsampling Errors 

Nonsampling error is the term used to describe variations in the estimates that may be caused by 

population coverage limitations and data collection, processing, and reporting procedures. The sources of 

nonsampling errors are typically problems like unit and item nonresponse, differences in respondents’ 

interpretations of the meaning of questions, response differences related to the particular time the survey was 

conducted, and mistakes made during data preparation. It is difficult to identify and estimate either the amount 

of nonsampling error or the bias caused by this error. To minimize the potential for nonsampling error, this 

study used a variety of procedures, including a pretest of the questionnaire with school district respondents. 
B-9 

The pretest provided the opportunity to check for consistency of interpretation of questions and definitions and 

to eliminate ambiguous items. The questionnaire and instructions were also extensively reviewed by NCES 

and the data requester at the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS), U.S. Department of Education. 

In addition, manual and machine editing of the questionnaire responses were conducted to check the data for 

accuracy and consistency. Cases with missing or inconsistent items were recontacted by telephone to resolve 

problems. Data were keyed with 100 percent verification for surveys received by mail, fax, or telephone. 

Questionnaire Limitations 

As with any study, there are limitations that researchers should take into consideration. One limitation 

of this study is that only selected questions were asked. While districts were asked to provide information on a 

wide range of topics, not all research questions were covered in the short questionnaire. For example, districts 

were not asked about all types of alternative schools and programs. Districts were asked to report the number 

of only a few types of alternative schools and programs. Other types of alternative schools and programs may 

exist within districts, including schools that exclusively offer alternative education for students at risk of 

educational failure.

Definitions of Analysis Variables

Many of the district characteristics, described below, may be related to each other. For example, district 

enrollment size and locale are related, with urban districts typically being larger than rural districts. Other 

relationships between these analysis variables may exist. However, this First Look report focuses on national 

estimates and bivariate relationships between the analysis variables and questionnaire variables rather than 

more complex analyses.

District Enrollment Size – This variable indicates the total number of students enrolled in the district 

based on data from the 2005–06 CCD. The variable was collapsed into the following three categories: 

Less than 2,500 students 

2,500 to 9,999 students

10,000 or more students 

Community Type – A created variable collapsed from the 12-category urban-centric district locale 

code (ULOCALE) that was assigned using the 2000 Decennial Census data. Data were obtained from the 

2005–06 CCD Local Education Agency (School District) Locale Code files. The data were collapsed into four 

categories:

City – Includes large, midsize, and small principal cities

Suburban – Includes large, midsize, and small urbanized territories outside principal cities

Town – Includes fringe, distant, and remote territories that are inside an urban cluster

Rural – Includes fringe, distant, and remote territories that are outside of urbanized areas and urban 

clusters
B-10 

Region – This variable classifies districts into one of the four geographic regions used by the Bureau of 

Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Data were obtained from the 2005–06 CCD Local 

Education Agency Universe file. The geographic regions are as follows: 

Northeast – Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 

Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont 

Southeast – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, 

South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia 

Central – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, 

Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

West – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, 

Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming 

Percent combined enrollment of Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, or American 

Indian/Alaska Native students – The percent of students enrolled in the district whose race or ethnicity is 

classified as one of the following: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black (nonHispanic), or Hispanic. Data were obtained from the 2005–06 CCD School Universe file and aggregated up to 

the district level. 

Less than 6 percent

6 to 20 percent 

21 to 49 percent 

50 percent or more

Poverty Concentration – This variable indicates the percentage of children in the district ages 5–17 in 

families living below the poverty level, based on the Title I data provided to the U.S. Department of Education 

by the U.S. Census Bureau, “Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates.” For detailed information on the 

methodology used to create these estimates, please refer to http://www.census.gov/did/www/saipe/index.html. 

Data on this variable were missing for a small number of responding districts; districts with missing 

data were excluded from all analyses involving poverty concentration. The variable was collapsed into the 

following three categories: 

Less than 10 percent

10 to 19 percent

20 percent or more

Contact Information

For more information about the survey, contact Peter Tice, Early Childhood, International, and 

Crosscutting Studies Division, National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. 

Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, e-mail: Peter.Tice@ed.gov; telephone: 

(202) 502-7497. 
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Appendix C

Questionnaires
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FORM APPROVED

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS O.M.B. No.: 1850–0733

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006–5651 EXPIRATION DATE: 10/2009

DISTRICT SURVEY OF ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS: 2007–08 

FAST RESPONSE SURVEY SYSTEM

This survey is authorized by law (P.L. 103-382). While participation in this survey is voluntary, your cooperation is critical 

to make the results of this survey comprehensive, accurate, and timely. Your answers may be used only for statistical 

purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose unless otherwise compelled by 

law. (Public Law 107–279, Education Sciences Reform Act, Section 183.)

This survey is designed to be completed by the person or persons most knowledgeable about the alternative 

schools and programs in your school district. Please consult with others who can help provide the requested 

information.

LABEL 

IF ABOVE DISTRICT INFORMATION IS INCORRECT, PLEASE UPDATE DIRECTLY ON LABEL.

Name of Person Completing This Form: _________________________________________________________________ 

Title/Position: ______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number: ___________________________________ E-mail:______________________________________ 

Best days and times to reach you (in case of questions): ___________________________________________________ 

THANK YOU. PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THE SURVEY FOR YOUR RECORDS.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, CONTACT:

Mail: Priscilla Carver (8096.16.03) Priscilla Carver at Westat

 Westat 800-937-8281, Ext. 4596 or 301-279-4596

 1650 Research Boulevard E-mail: priscillacarver@westat.com

 Rockville, Maryland 20850-3195 

Fax: 800-254-0984

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB 

control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1850-0733. The time required to complete this information collection is 

estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and 

complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving 

this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the status of 

your individual submission of this form, write directly to: National Center for Education Statistics, 1990 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

FRSS 96, 08/2008
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INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS FOR THIS SURVEY

Alternative schools and programs are designed to address the needs of students that typically cannot be met in regular 

schools. The students who attend alternative schools and programs are typically at risk of educational failure (as indicated 

by poor grades, truancy, disruptive behavior, pregnancy, or similar factors associated with temporary or permanent 

withdrawal from school). 

Alternative schools are usually housed in separate facilities where students are removed from regular schools. Alternative

programs are usually housed within regular schools.

For the purposes of this survey, include:

• only alternative schools or programs for at-risk students,

• only alternative schools or programs administered by your district, 

• only alternative schools or programs where the majority of students attend for at least half of their instructional time,

• charter schools for students at risk of educational failure,

• alternative schools or programs (administered by your district) within criminal detention centers,

• community-based schools or programs (administered by your district but located within community organizations (e.g., 

Boys and Girls Clubs, community or recreational centers)), and

• alternative schools or programs that operate during weekday evenings or weekends.

For the purposes of this survey, exclude:

• alternative schools or programs that are not for at-risk students (e.g., gifted and talented programs, magnet schools),

• alternative schools or programs not administered by your district,

• alternative schools or programs where the majority of students attend for less than half of their instructional time,

• schools or programs that exclusively serve special education students,

• career/technical education programs (unless specifically designated for at-risk students),

• child care/day care centers,

• privately run sites contracted by your district,

• short-term in-school suspension programs (lasting 2 weeks or less), detention, or in-home programs for ill or injured 

students, and

• charter schools that are not for at-risk students. 

The questions in this survey are about the 2007–08 school year.

For purposes of this survey, the terms enrolled, placed, and transferred are used interchangeably and may include 

parent or student involvement in the process used to determine attendance at an alternative school or program for at-risk 

students.

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a systematic process for describing problem behavior, identifying 

environmental factors and setting events that predict the problem behavior, and guiding the development of effective and 

efficient behavior support plans. 

The term written learning plan, as used here, refers to a written document that states the educational goals of a student, 

similar to that of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is developed for students in special education.
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Before you answer the questions in this survey, please carefully read the instructions and definitions page.

I. Basic Information About Alternative Schools and Programs in Your District

1. During the 2007–08 school year, were there any alternative schools or programs in your district?

Yes ......... 1 (Continue with question 2.) No......... 2 (Stop. Complete respondent section on 

front and return questionnaire.)

2. How many alternative schools and programs were there in your district in 2007–08? __________ 

3. Of those schools and programs in question 2, how many were housed within a regular school? ___________ 

4. Of the alternative schools and programs in your district in 2007–08, how many:

a. Operated as charter schools?..................................................................... _______________ 

b. Were located in juvenile detention centers?............................................... _______________ 

c. Used distance education as an instructional delivery mode?..................... _______________ 

5. Some school districts have alternative schools or programs designed to serve specific types of students at risk of 

educational failure (e.g., an alternative school solely for students with substance abuse problems). Not all districts will 

have such programs. In your district, were there any alternative schools or programs in 2007–08 designed solely for: 

Yes No

a. Students who dropped out of regular school ........................................................................................ 1 2

b. Students with substance abuse problems ............................................................................................ 1 2

c. Students who were expelled or as an alternative to expulsion ............................................................. 1 2

d. Students who were involved with the criminal justice system .............................................................. 1 2

e. Students who were highly disruptive ..................................................................................................... 1 2

f. Other(specify) ___________________________________________________________________ 1 2

6. During the 2007–08 school year, what grades were taught in your district’s alternative schools and programs? (Circle all 

that apply.)

PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ungraded

II. Enrollment 

7. As of October 1, 2007, about how many students in your district were enrolled in alternative schools and programs?

_________ students

8. Of those students, about how many were special education students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

_________ students

9. In any month during the 2007–08 school year, were any of your district’s alternative schools and programs unable to 

enroll new students because of staffing or space limitations?

Yes ......... 1 No......... 2 

III. Entry and Exit Procedures

10. Can students in your district be transferred to alternative schools and programs solely on the basis of any of the 

following reasons? (For purposes of this survey, the term “transferred” may include parent or student involvement in the 

decision-making process.) (Circle one on each line.)

Yes No

a. Possession or use of a firearm............................................................................................................ 1 2

b. Possession or use of a weapon other than a firearm.......................................................................... 1 2

c. Possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or drugs (excluding tobacco) ........................................... 1 2

d. Arrest or involvement with the criminal justice system........................................................................ 1 2

e. Physical attacks or fights..................................................................................................................... 1 2

f. Disruptive verbal behavior................................................................................................................... 1 2

g. Chronic truancy .................................................................................................................................. 1 2

h. Continual academic failure .................................................................................................................. 1 2

i. Pregnancy/teen parenthood................................................................................................................ 1 2

j. Mental health needs ............................................................................................................................ 1 2

k. Other(specify)___________________________________________________________________ 1 2
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11. To what extent are students placed in alternative schools or programs through each of the following means? (Circle one 

on each line.)

Means of placement Not at all Small 

extent

Moderate 

extent

Large 

extent

a. Recommendation of district-level administrator (e.g., Director of Special 

Education or Director of Alternative Education) ...................................... 1 2 3 4

b. Recommendation of regular school staff (e.g., teacher, administrator, or 

counselor) ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4

c. Recommendation of a committee of teachers, administrators, and 

counselors (such as an education management team or IEP team)....... 1 2 3 4

d. Student request........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4

e. Parent request.......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4

f. As a result of Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) (see the 

definition page)......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4

g. Referral by the criminal justice system .................................................... 1 2 3 4

h. Other(specify)_____________________________________________ 1 2 3 4

12. If a parent objects to a recommendation that a student be placed in an alternative school or program in your district, what 

does the district usually do? (Circle only one.)

Place the student despite parental objections ............................................ 1 

Resolve the dispute through due process .................................................. 2 

Withdraw placement recommendation ....................................................... 3 

Other (specify) ______________________________________________ 4 

13. Is it your district’s policy to allow students enrolled in alternative schools and programs to return to a regular school in 

your district? (Circle only one.)

Yes, for all students .................................................................................... 1 (Continue with question 14.)

Yes, for some students ............................................................................... 2 (Continue with question 14.)

No, never for any students.......................................................................... 3 (Skip to question 15.)

14. According to your district’s policy, how important are each of the following in determining whether a student is able to 

return to a regular school? (Circle one on each line.)

Factor

Not

important

Somewhat 

important

Very 

important

a. Improved grades...................................................................................... 1 2 3

b. Improved attitude/behavior ...................................................................... 1 2 3

c. Student motivation to return..................................................................... 1 2 3

d. Student readiness as measured by a standardized assessment............ 1 2 3

e. Availability of space in regular school...................................................... 1 2 3

f. Approval of the regular school administrator or counselor...................... 1 2 3

g. Approval of alternative school/program staff (e.g., teacher, 

administrator, or counselor)..................................................................... 1 2 3

h. Other(specify) ____________________________________________ 1 2 3

15. When students leave an alternative school or program in your district, to what extent do they leave because....(Circle one 

on each line.)

Exiting alternative school/program Not 

at all

Small 

extent

Moderate 

extent

Large 

extent

a. they returned to regular school? ............................................................. 1 2 3 4

b. they graduated with a regular high school diploma? ............................... 1 2 3 4

c. they graduated with a nonstandard high school diploma or certificate of 

completion?.............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4

d. they transferred to an adult education or GED program? ....................... 1 2 3 4

e. they dropped out of school? .................................................................... 1 2 3 4

f. they were transferred to a criminal justice facility?.................................. 1 2 3 4

g. Other(specify) ____________________________________________ 1 2 3 4

16. Does your district have a database to track students after they leave alternative schools and programs?

Yes ......... 1 No......... 2 
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IV. Teacher Training Requirements

17. Does your district have specific requirements for teaching in an alternative school or program, in addition to regular 

teacher requirements (e.g., specific education or training requirements)? 

Yes ......... 1 No......... 2 

18. Does your district have ongoing professional development requirements for teaching in an alternative school or program, 

in addition to those required of all teachers?

Yes ......... 1 No......... 2 

V. Curriculum and Services Offered

19. Is a written learning plan required for students who are not special education students upon entry into an alternative 

school or program in your district? (For clarification on “written learning plan,” please refer to the definition page.)

Yes, for all students .................................................................................. 1 

Yes, for some students ............................................................................ 2 

No.............................................................................................................. 3 

20. Does your district collaborate with any of the following agencies to provide services to students in alternative schools and 

programs? (Circle one on each line.)

Yes No

a. Child protective services ................................................................................................................... 1 2

b. Community mental health agency ..................................................................................................... 1 2

c. Community organization (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Lion’s Club) ................................... 1 2

d. Job placement center ........................................................................................................................ 1 2

e. Crisis intervention center................................................................................................................... 1 2

f. Drug and/or alcohol clinic .................................................................................................................. 1 2

g. Family planning/child care/child placement agency.......................................................................... 1 2

h. Health clinic or hospital ..................................................................................................................... 1 2

i. Criminal justice system...................................................................................................................... 1 2

j. Parks and recreation department...................................................................................................... 1 2

k. Police or sheriff’s department............................................................................................................ 1 2

l. Other(specify)__________________________________________________________________ 1 2

21. According to district policy, are any of the following services or practices required to be made routinely available in 

alternative schools and programs? (Circle one on each line.)

Yes No

a. Smaller class size than regular schools............................................................................................ 1 2

b. Remedial instruction for students performing below grade level ..................................................... 1 2

c. Credit recovery programs/opportunities............................................................................................ 1 2

d. Academic counseling ........................................................................................................................ 1 2

e. Career counseling ............................................................................................................................. 1 2

f. Psychological counseling.................................................................................................................. 1 2

g. Substance abuse counseling ............................................................................................................ 1 2

h. Crisis/behavioral intervention............................................................................................................ 1 2

i. Social work services.......................................................................................................................... 1 2

j. Peer mediation .................................................................................................................................. 1 2

k. Extended school day or school year................................................................................................. 1 2

l. Reduced school day or flexible schedule.......................................................................................... 1 2

m. Evening or weekend classes ............................................................................................................ 1 2

n. Curricula leading toward a regular high school diploma................................................................... 1 2

o. Preparation for the GED exam.......................................................................................................... 1 2

p. Career/technical education or training .............................................................................................. 1 2

q. Opportunity to take classes at other schools, colleges, or local institutions ..................................... 1 2

r. Security personnel on site................................................................................................................. 1 2

s. Opportunity for self-paced instruction ............................................................................................... 1 2

t. Opportunities for alternative modes of learning (e.g., Internet-based curriculum, group or service 

learning projects) .............................................................................................................................. 1 2

u. Other (specify) _________________________________________________________________ 1 2
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FORM APPROVED

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS O.M.B. No.: 1850–0733

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006–5651 EXPIRATION DATE: 10/2009

FOLLOW-UP DISTRICT SURVEY 

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS: 2007–08

FAST RESPONSE SURVEY SYSTEM

This survey is authorized by law (P.L. 103-382). While participation in this survey is voluntary, your cooperation is critical 

to make the results of this survey comprehensive, accurate, and timely. Your answers may be used only for statistical 

purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose unless otherwise compelled by 

law. (Public Law 107–279, Education Sciences Reform Act, Section 183.)

LABEL 

IF ABOVE DISTRICT INFORMATION IS INCORRECT, PLEASE UPDATE DIRECTLY ON LABEL.

Name of person completing this form: ___________________________________________________________________ 

Title/position: ______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone number: ___________________________________ E-mail:______________________________________ 

Best days and times to reach you (in case of questions): ___________________________________________________ 

THANK YOU. PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THE SURVEY FOR YOUR RECORDS.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, CONTACT:

Mail: Priscilla Carver (8096.16.11) Priscilla Carver at Westat

 Westat 800-937-8281, Ext. 4596 or 301-279-4596

 1650 Research Boulevard E-mail: priscillacarver@westat.com

 Rockville, Maryland 20850-3195 

Fax: 800-254-0984

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB 

control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1850-0733. The time required to complete this information collection is 

estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and 

complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving 

this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the status of 

your individual submission of this form, write directly to: National Center for Education Statistics, 1990 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

FRSS 96a, 03/2009
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INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS FOR THIS SURVEY

In the District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08, respondents in some districts indicated that their 

district used alternative schools and programs administered by entities other than their district to provide alternative 

education to students at risk of educational failure. Examples of other entities may include

• a public entity such as a regional program, consortium, cooperative, or another school district;

• a private entity contracted by the district;

• 2- or 4-year postsecondary institutions in partnership with or contracted by the district; or

• entities other than those listed here.

This short follow-up survey is designed to find out the extent to which districts use alternative schools and 

programs administered by entities other than their district. It is designed to be completed by the respondent who 

completed the initial survey in fall 2008. If the person who responded to the initial survey is not available to complete 

the survey, this follow-up survey can be completed by someone else who is highly knowledgeable about alternative 

schools and programs used by your district.

Alternative schools and programs are designed to address the needs of students that typically cannot be met in 

regular schools. The students who attend alternative schools and programs are typically at risk of educational failure 

(as indicated by poor grades, truancy, disruptive behavior, pregnancy, or similar factors associated with temporary or 

permanent withdrawal from school). 

Alternative schools are usually housed in separate facilities where students are removed from regular schools. 

Alternative programs are usually housed within regular schools.

For the purposes of this survey, include

• only alternative schools or programs for at-risk students;

• only alternative schools and programs attended by students enrolled in your district;

• only alternative schools and programs administered by entities other than your district; examples may include

o a public entity such as a regional program, consortium, cooperative, or another school district;

o a private entity contracted by the district; or

o 2- or 4-year postsecondary institutions in partnership with or contracted by the district;

• only alternative schools or programs where the majority of students attend for at least half of their instructional time;

• charter schools for students at risk of educational failure;

• alternative schools or programs within criminal detention centers;

• alternative schools or programs that operate during weekday evenings or weekends.

For the purposes of this survey, exclude

• alternative schools or programs administered by your district (information about those administered by your district 

was previously collected in the District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08); 

• alternative schools or programs that are not for at-risk students (e.g., gifted and talented programs, magnet 

schools);

• alternative schools or programs where the majority of students attend for less than half of their instructional time;

• schools or programs that exclusively serve special education students;

• career/technical education programs (unless specifically designated for at-risk students);

• child care/day care centers;

• short-term in-school suspension programs (lasting 2 weeks or less), detention, or in-home programs for ill or injured 

students; and

• charter schools that are not for at-risk students. 

The questions in this survey ask about the 2007–08 school year.
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In the District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs: 2007–08, respondents in some districts indicated that their 

district used alternative schools and programs administered by entities other than their district (for example, regional 

programs or private entities contracted by the district) to provide alternative education to students at risk of educational 

failure. The purpose of this short follow-up survey is to find out the extent to which districts use alternative schools and 

programs administered by entities other than their district. 

This survey is designed to be completed by the respondent who completed the initial survey in fall 2008. If the 

person who responded to the initial survey is not available to complete the survey, this follow-up survey can be completed 

by someone else who is highly knowledgeable about alternative schools and programs used by your district.

If your district did not use an alternative school or program administered by an entity other than the district in 

2007–08, answer “no” to question 1, complete the respondent section on the front, and return the questionnaire.

Before you answer the questions in this survey, please carefully review the list of inclusions and exclusions on 

the instructions page.

1. During the 2007–08 school year, were there any students enrolled in your district who attended an alternative school 

or program that was administered by an entity other than your district? (For examples of entities, see instructions and 

definitions.)

Yes ......... 1 (Continue with question 2.) No ......... 2 (Complete respondent section on front 

and return questionnaire.)

2. As of October 1, 2007, how many students enrolled in your district attended an alternative school or program 

administered by an entity other than your district? _________________________

3. During the 2007–08 school year, which of the following entities administered these alternative schools and programs 

attended by students enrolled in your district? (Circle yes or no for each.)

Yes No

a. A public entity such as a regional program, consortium, cooperative, or another school district.... 1 2

b. A private entity contracted by the district......................................................................................... 1 2

c. Two- or 4-year postsecondary institutions in partnership with or contracted by the district ............ 1 2

d. Other(specify) _________________________________________________________________ 1 2