New Programs administered by this office include the nationally acclaimed Gallery 37 student artist program, the Magic City performing arts program and a variety of summer music and dance programs across the city. The CPS strengthened its Uniform Discipline Code to mandate expulsions of students possessing firearms or other destructive devices. The code supports CPS' zero tolerance policy regarding disruptive, inappropriate or violent behavior in the schools. Alternative Schools Alternative schools for dropouts and disruptive youth opened in all six regions to remove violent students from the system. The program serves approximately 1,400 students offering a specialized curriculum to meet the needs of at risk students.
Students receive education, employment, skill training and support services.
The programs offer students a second chance at success. Opportunities exist for some students to return to a regular classroom. If CPS receives additional funding from the state's new alternative schools grant, this initiative could be expanded further. Truancy Elementary schools will be able to monitor truant students with the same computerized attendance tracking system being used in high schools. Teams of teachers, parents and other school staff will investigate, retrieve and provide support services to chronically absent students.