Alternative Education
The Sonoma County Office of Education operates alternative schools for over 400 Sonoma County students who are seriously at risk of school and/or societal failure. These schools provide small school settings for students who are experiencing difficulties in traditional schools, offer home school and independent study alternatives, and deliver daily instruction for incarcerated youth and juvenile wards of the court. In operating these programs, SCOE strives to offer education alternatives that connect students to positive opportunities for learning.
Cal-SAFE (Teen Parent) Program
The Cal-SAFE (California School-Age Families Education) Program, also known as the Adera Program, provides education and support services so that pregnant and parenting students can continue their education at a comprehensive or alternative high school. The program provides childcare and related services to assist teen parents in graduating from high school.
Clean and Sober Schools
SCOE operates the Clean and Sober Schools to provide a safe and supportive environment for students in grades 9-12 who are struggling with recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Clean and Sober Schools recognize that students who have started rehabilitation often need to change their environment to be successful in overcoming substance abuse and that they benefit from an educational environment where all students are committed to being alcohol- and drug-free. Referrals to the program are made by school districts, the probation department, and parents. Specific requirements for participation include:
- Commitment to sobriety
- Daily attendance
- Extended year program
- On-site counseling
- Parent involvement
- Random drug testing
Community Schools
Community Schools provide a different kind of learning environment for students who are experiencing difficulties in a traditional school setting or who are exhibiting negative behavior patterns in school or the community. These small schools are located at one- or two-room sites, with 18 to 25 students per classroom. In each self-contained classroom, students may range in age from 12 to 18 years old and a multiple-grade, multiple-subject curriculum is taught.
Community Schools are located in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Petaluma. Many of the students enrolled in these schools have been expelled from their district school, identified as habitually truant, or placed on probation by the juvenile court. The emphasis of the program is to reestablish the educational direction of students by providing a learning environment that meets their needs. Counseling and other support services are provided by public and community agencies.
Court Schools
Court Schools provide instruction for school-age children and youth residing in court-supervised programs, such as Juvenile Hall, Probation Camp, Sierra Youth Center, and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home.
Home Study
SCOE’s Home Study Program is a voluntary program that provides alternative K-12 public education for families who, for many diverse reasons, prefer home schooling as a means to meet the academic needs of their children. The program is based on an independent study model authorized by the California Department of Education. It provides an alternative educational program for families not served by home study options in their home districts.
In SCOE’s Home Study Program, the teacher is a supervisor or facilitator who guides and supports parents who are responsible for the direct instruction of their children. The Home Study teacher meets with parents and students weekly to introduce teaching strategies and lessons and to develop curriculum appropriate to the needs and learning style of each student. A give-and-take relationship between parent and child is important if their teacher/student relationship is to succeed. Once the parent and child become confident about their abilities and direction and they begin to take independent responsibility for the student’s educational plan, the Home Study teacher may meet with them less frequently. Communication via telephone or mail is frequently used between visits. Parents must be able to assist with instruction of all curriculum for their child’s grade level.
Countywide Plan for Expelled Students
In addition to offering alternative school programs for students, the Alternative Education department coordinates the development of the countywide Plan for Providing Educational Services to All Expelled Students in Sonoma County as required by Education Code Section 48926. The plan is updated every three years.
2009 Update, Countywide Plan for Expelled Students (pdf)
2006 Countywide Plan for Expelled Students (pdf)