Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) Programs

PARENT GUIDE

		

		
PARENTS’ GUIDE TO
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION	TRANSITION PLAN
	
FOR DISRUPTIVE YOUTH (AEDY) PROGRAMS

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with information about your child’s rights and responsibilities regarding placement in an Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) Program in Pennsylvania.

AEDY Programs were created to
	
The purpose of a transition plan is to help your child return to the regular education setting. Transition plans must be created to help your child be successful. Your child’s transition may take as much or as little time as needed.

Even though it might seem like a good idea for your child to stay in the AEDY Program due to success, it is important to return to the regular education setting. For that reason,
once behavioral goals are met, a transition plan must begin.
	
provide education to students in grades	QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS 6-12 who have been removed from the
	
regular education setting for certain disciplinary reasons. These programs help students work on behavioral problems while, at the same time keeping up with their school work.

Placements in AEDY Programs are temporary. Students may only stay in placement until they have met their behavioral goals, at which time, students return to the regular education setting.

Schools placing students in AEDY programs and AEDY programs
may not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, disability, and/or any other legally protected category.
	
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approves applications from school districts, intermediate units, and private providers to run AEDY programs. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement please contact the PDE AEDY Team at:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 (717) 705-3771
(717) 736-7708 www.education.pa.gov

www.education.pa.gov

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REASONS FOR PLACEMENT IN AN AEDY PROGRAM

Students may be placed for one or more of the following reasons:
1.Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules
2.Display of or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-afiliated activities
3.Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-related activities
4.Possession of a weapon on school property 5. Commission of a criminal act on school
property

6. Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT

Your child may be placed in an AEDY program immediately for reasons two, three and/or four. This is because your child is considered a threat to the safety of other students/staff or creates an unsafe school environment.

INTERVENTIONS

Prior to placement in AEDY, a child should receive the following:
• Meeting(s) with an administrator (principal, assistant principal, etc.)
• Meeting(s) with the school guidance counselor • Offer for a Student Assistance Program
(SAP) referral

Students immediately placed for reasons two, three and/or four are not required to receive
these interventions before they are placed.

HEARINGS

Prior to placement in an AEDY program, your child should receive a hearing. You and your child have the following rights and responsibilities:
• You must be notified in writing why your child is being suspended.
• You must receive notice within a reasonable amount of time.
• Your child may question any witnesses at the hearing.
• Your child may bring witnesses to the hearing. • The hearing should be offered within the first
five days of suspension; if your child is placed immediately, the hearing can occur after placement.

DURING PLACEMENT IN AEDY

While in an AEDY Program, your child must receive at least 20 hours of academic instruction and 2.5 hours of counseling (individual or group) each week. Your child must receive instruction in math, English, science, social studies and
health/life skills based on his/her grade level.

Your child must receive a behavioral assessment and behavioral goals when placed in an AEDY Program. The school district and the AEDY Program should work with you and your child to create behavioral goals based on his/her reason for placement and information from the behavioral assessment.

Your child must receive a formal periodic review (progress review) at least once each semester. You and your child, as well as AEDY staff, staff from the school district, and other outside agencies should attend the review. Your child’s progress towards academic, behavioral and attendance goals will be reviewed. Once behavioral goals are met, your child is ready to return to the regular education setting. Once behavioral goals are met, a transition plan is created. Your child cannot remain in an AEDY Program for poor grades, not having enough
credits, or for other reasons.