22.1-209.1:6 - Pilot discretionary programs for certain students - Virginia Statutes

§ 22.1-209.1:6. Pilot discretionary programs for certain students.

With such funds as are appropriated for this purpose, the Board of Educationshall establish a grants program for pilot discretionary programs forelementary and middle school students who are disruptive and who do notqualify for the alternative education programs established pursuant to §22.1-209.1:2.

For the purposes of this section, "disruptive student" means a studentwhose behavior interrupts or obstructs the learning environment and resultsin two or more short-term suspensions or requires repeated intervention byschool personnel.

The Board shall establish criteria for these pilot discretionary programswhich shall require innovative approaches to resolving common disciplinaryproblems which occur among disruptive elementary and middle school students,such as nontraditional physical plants or locations or courses, familyinvolvement and participation, and nontraditional attendance patterns. Allsuch innovative approaches shall require, as a condition of enrollment,written agreements for parental involvement and participation in the programs.

The Board shall issue annually requests for proposals, in accordance with theappropriation act, for five such grants.

Local school boards may apply for these grants as provided in the Board'srequest for proposals. Applicants shall comply with the Board grant criteria;however, applicants may choose to include an interdisciplinary approach or acooperative approach between the discretionary program and other local orstate agencies and other programs or curricula within the relevant localschool division or an adjacent school division. Grants may include requestsfor the innovative waiver provided in the Standards of Accreditation.

(1999, c. 446.)