Alternative Schools and the Students They Serve
The Client: The University of Minnesota Research and Training Center on Community Living received funding from the U.S. Department of Education to explore the nature of alternative schools throughout the United States. The project built on years of research conducted by Dr. Lange while at the University of Minnesota. Lange Research and Evaluation was brought in as the primary research consultant to this far-reaching study.
The Issue: Alternative schools have received much attention in recent years, yet no national consensus exists as to what precisely defines an ‘alternative school’ and the relationship they have with students. This study aimed to learn more about the ways in which educational professionals at the highest levels view alternative schools, and how they portray the student experience within such institutions. Lange Research and Evaluation was instrumental in developing the design and concepts for the study, which included statewide surveys, interviews, and site visits.
The Solution: This intensive study examined alternative education across the country and revealed important new information about the ways in which alternative schools are understood by state education agencies, the issues facing alternative schools, and the types of reforms appropriate for these institutions. This research provided the critical first step in creating a data-based description of alternative schools and the students they serve. Lange Research and Evaluation played a key role in disseminating findings through contributions to research reports, journal articles, and national presentations.