What is an ALC, and what do I need to know about them?
"An area learning center provides comprehensive educational services to enrolled secondary students throughout the year. This could include a daytime school within a school or separate site for both high school and middle school level students. Students must be at-risk as defined by statute. Students served are off-track for graduation and are working towards completing their graduation requirements. In addition to day programs, these centers provide extended learning opportunities for students to make up lost credits or to prepare for graduation tests. ALCs serve students from more than one district. ALCs must also provide services to middle level students, either at a separate site or within their school. ALCs can apply to provide Targeted Services to elementary age students in after school and summer programs." (MN Dept of Education, 2017).
Can I enroll in an ALC?
In Minnesota, you can enroll in an ALC if you are under 21 and meet at least one of the following criteria:
1 Performs substantially below the performance level for pupils of the same age in a locally determined achievement test.
2 Is behind in satisfactorily completing coursework or obtaining credits for graduation.
3 Is pregnant or is a parent.
4 Has been assessed as chemically dependent.
5 Has been excluded or expelled.
6 Has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible program.
7 Is a victim of physical or sexual abuse.
8 Has experienced mental health problems.
9 Has experienced homelessness sometime within six months before requesting a transfer to an eligible program.
10 Speaks English as a second language or has limited English proficiency.
11 Has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant.
12 Is being treated in a hospital in the seven-county metropolitan area for cancer or other life-threatening illness or is the sibling of an eligible pupil who is currently being treated, and resides with the pupil’s family at least 60 miles beyond the outside boundary of the seven-county metropolitan area.
1 Performs substantially below the performance level for pupils of the same age in a locally determined achievement test.
2 Is behind in satisfactorily completing coursework or obtaining credits for graduation.
3 Is pregnant or is a parent.
4 Has been assessed as chemically dependent.
5 Has been excluded or expelled.
6 Has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible program.
7 Is a victim of physical or sexual abuse.
8 Has experienced mental health problems.
9 Has experienced homelessness sometime within six months before requesting a transfer to an eligible program.
10 Speaks English as a second language or has limited English proficiency.
11 Has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant.
12 Is being treated in a hospital in the seven-county metropolitan area for cancer or other life-threatening illness or is the sibling of an eligible pupil who is currently being treated, and resides with the pupil’s family at least 60 miles beyond the outside boundary of the seven-county metropolitan area.
What is an adult diploma?
Adult diploma is a way for students to complete their high school credits if they are unenrolled in school. If you are over 17 and only have a few high school credits remaining, adult diploma might be a good option!
Can I drop out of school?
Minnesota Statute 120A.22 Subd. 5(a): Ages and Terms
- Every child between seven and seventeen years of age must receive instruction unless the child has graduated. Every child under the age of seven who is enrolled in a half-day kindergarten, or a full-day kindergarten program on alternate days, or other kindergarten programs shall receive instruction. Except as provided under subdivision 6*, a parent may withdraw a child under the age of enrollment at any time.
- *Once a pupil under the age of seven is enrolled in kindergarten or a higher grade in a public school, the pupil is subject to the compulsory education provisions of this chapter and section 120A.34, unless the board of the district in which the child is enrolled has a policy that exempts children under seven.
- Any student who is 17 years old who seeks to withdraw from school, and the student's parent or guardian must attend a meeting with school personnel to discuss educational opportunities available to the student, including alternative educational opportunities and sign a written election to withdraw from school.
What happens if I don't graduate when my class does?
That is okay! You have several options. In Minnesota, you can stay at your local high school throughout the year you turn 21! If you are not interested in going back to high school, you could take adult diploma classes. You could also study and take the GED.
What is the GED?
GED stands for general equivalency exam. The GED is made up of four tests: language arts, math, science, and social studies. The tests are all on the computer and you can take them one at a time. There are many GED prep classes available to help you study for the tests. More information can be found at https://ged.com/