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Publications

Lehr, C.A., Moreau, R.A., Lange, C.M., & Lanners, E.J. (2004). Alternative Schools: Findings From a National Survey of the States. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration. (PDF).
Abstract: The number of students enrolled in alternative settings for youth at risk of school failure has increased significantly in recent years. Students with disabilities, primarily students with emotional/behavioral disabilties and learning disabilities, are included in the population of students who are being educated in these settings. A survey was designed to gather current information about alternative schools and programs across the nation. The survey was distributed to key contacts at state departments of education who were knowledgeable about alternative education. Results are provided and the report concludes with a discussion.
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Lehr, C.A. (2004, October). Information Brief: Alternative Schools and Students With Disabilities: Identifying and Understandng the Issues. (Volume 3, Issue 6). Minneapolis, MN: National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
This brief highlights the responses of state directors of special education to a telephone survey about major issues regarding students with disabilities and alternative schools in their states. Resources for further information are also provided.
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Impact: Feature Issue on Achieving Secondary Eduation and Transition Results for Students with Disabilities (2004)   Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD) and the Research and Training Center on Community Living, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. Volume 16(3).

The fall/winter issue of Impact focuses on achieving secondary education and transition results for students with disabilities. Three articles particularly relevant to alternative schools include:

Students with Disabilities Attending Alternative Schools: What Do We Know?  (C. Lehr)

Skills for Success: A Three-Tiered Approach to Positive Behavior Supports  (J. Sprague & V. Nishioka)

Alternative Education Accountability: Kentucky's Approach  (L. Swarts)

Lehr, C. A., & Lange, C. M. (2003). Alternative schools and the students they serve: Perceptions of state directors of special education. Policy Research Brief (University of Minnesota: Minneapolis, Institute on Community Integration), 14(1).
Abstract: Recent data collected from a national survey estimates that about 12% of all students in alternative schools are students with disabilities. Yet we know very little about the nature of the instructional programs offered, special education processes and procedures in place, accountability practices, and outcomes for these students. In addition, we do not have complete descriptive information on the kinds of alternative schools and programs currently in operation. This Policy Research Brief reports findings from interviews conducted with 49 state directors of special education (or their designees). It describes their perceptions of (a) basic characteristics of alternative schools, (b) major issues for alternative schools, (c) major issues for state education agencies, (d) major issues for students with disabilities, and (e) educational reforms impacting alternative schools. The brief concludes with a discussion of trends that require further study.

Lehr, C. A. & Lange, C. M. (2003). Alternative schools serving students with and without disabilities: What are the current issues and challenges? Preventing School Failure, 47(2), 59-65.
Abstract: The University of Minnesota's Alternative School Research Project, a directed research study funded by the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Special Education Programs, is in the process of conducting research on alternative schools across the country. Special emphasis is given to studying the extent to which and how students with disabilities are being served. Information in this article is a synthesis of data gathered during the 1st year of this study and is drawn from interviews with state directors of special education, material on alternative education compiled from each state, and other relevant research and literature on alternative education. Critical issues and challenges for alternative educators and administrators are identified and discussed. Issues focus on governance and policies guiding the operation of alternative schools, the purpose of alternative schools, student needs and implications for service, staffing and instruction, maintaining high expectations and high standards, and measuring outcomes and effectiveness. The article contains a list of questions that can be used to help educators identify and address key issues in their alternative setting in order to promote successful school experiences for students with and without disabilities.

Lehr, C.A., Lanners, E.J., & Lange, C.M. (2003). Alternative Schools: Policy and Legislation Across the United States (Research Report 1). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration. (PDF)
Abstract: Alternative schools have emerged over the years as one educational option for students who are not successful in traditional school settings. The number of these schools is growing rapidly, yet we know very little about similarities in policy and practice across states. This report provides a list and review of current state legislation and policy from 48 states that had some type of legislation addressing alternative schools or programs. Information is organized and discussed with regard to enrollment criteria, alternative school definition, funding, curriculum, staffing, and students with disabilities. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to historical context and current forces shaping alternative schools today.
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Presentations

A Common Thread? Site Visits to Alternative Schools Across the Nation (Powerpoint presentation)

Presented in February of 2005 at the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs Conference

C. Lehr
Alternative Schools Research Project
University of Minnesota

No Child Left Behind: Impacts on You. A study of the Intended and Unintended Consequences of the No Child Left Behind Act on Systems, Educators, and Students with Disabilities (Powerpoint presentation)

Presented in February of 2005 at the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs Conference

Research Team: J. Ysseldyke, D. Johnson, C. Lehr, M. Sharpe, M. Burns, E. Lanners & A. Stodolka
University of Minnesota

Alternative Programs Across the Nation and Students They Serve: Perceptions of State Directors of Special Education (Powerpoint presentation)

Presented in June of 2002 at the International Alternative Learning Association Conference

C. Lehr, E. Lanners, C. Lange & J. Ysseldyke
Alternative Schools Research Project
University of Minnesota

Alternative Education Programs and Students With Disabilities: Identifying Key Issues (PDF)
(Posterboard - You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download this file)

Presented in April of 2003 at the Council of Exceptional Children

C. Lehr, R. Moreau, E. Lanners & C. Lange
Alternative Schools Research Project
University of Minnesota