From the Accountability & Research Blog
FY21 October 1 Enrollment Report Now Available
Tue, Mar 2 2021
FY21 October 1 Enrollment Report Now Available
Alternative schools are defined as schools that meet the Arizona State Board of Education approved definition (updated 02/28/2014) as schools whose sole and clearly-stated mission is to serve specific populations of at-risk students.
Arizona statute supports 6th through 12th grade alternative school programs for accountability purposes. It is the intent of the Arizona Department of Education to be in alignment with this statute (Section C of 15-796).
- Students who have a documented history of disruptive behavior issues.
- Students who have dropped out of school and are now returning.
- Students in poor academic standing as demonstrated by being at least one year behind on grade level performance or academic credits.
- Students who are primary caregivers or are financially responsible for dependents and, therefore, may require a flexible school schedule.
- Students who are adjudicated.
- Students who are wards of the state and are in need of an alternative school setting
6. All new and converted schools shall be audited for student enrollment verification prior to confirmation of alternative status. All other alternative schools will be subject to an audit of enrollment counts as deemed necessary by the Arizona Department of Education and/or the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.
Alternative status is granted by application to the Arizona Department of Education and applies to the state accountability system.
Districts and charter holders (LEAs) must apply for alternative school status for their schools by filling out and submitting the application below. Please see the guidance document below to further clarify and for examples of how a school might verify student enrollment in any one category.
Fiscal Year 2022 Alternative School Status Annual Application Guidance Document
Fiscal Year 2022 Alternative School Status FAQ Page
Application for Fiscal Year 2022 (2021-2022 School Year) Open
All schools, including those that wish to continue their alternative status from FY21 into FY22, must recertify by filling out and providing all requested information. Schools operating a Dropout Recovery Program (DRP) must apply for alternative school status.
February 12, 2021: Application window opens for FY22
March 31, 2021 : Application window closes for FY22
May 2021 (tentative): Schools notified of alternative status
The Alternative School Initial On-Track to Graduate Submission page is now active through March 15, 2021. The page can be found by clicking on or by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://www.azed.gov/accountability-research/alternative-schools-initial-track-graduate-data-submission
Schools submit a self-reported list of students who meet the below criteria. At the conclusion of the school year, the school will then submit the updated spreadsheet to include the students in this initial submission and their corresponding Withdrawal/Year-End Status code as well as the points earned.
INITIAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2021
The initial spreadsheet with the list of students' SSIDs who meet the below criteria must be submitted by March 15, 2021.
The initial spreadsheet template can be found by clicking on or by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2021/01/FY21%20On%20Track%20to%20Graduate%20Data%20Initial%20Submission%20Template.xlsx
CRITERIA
Students must be included in the school's self-reported On-Track to Graduate list if they meet the below criteria:
Please see the Alternative School Business Rules on our Resources Page for more information regarding On-Track to Graduate submissions.