ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION FOR DISRUPTIVE YOUTH (AEDY) PROGRAMS

Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) 

AEDY programs in Pennsylvania was created to provide education to students in grades 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.

REASONS FOR PLACEMENT IN AN AEDY PROGRAM

Students may be placed for one or more of the following reasons:

• Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules

• Display of or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-affiliated activities

• Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-related activities

• Possession of a weapon on school property

• Commission of a criminal act on school property

• Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT

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

INTERVENTIONS

Prior to placement in AEDY, a student 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, a student should receive a hearing. Parents and students have the following rights and responsibilities:

• A parent must be notified in writing why their child is being suspended.

• A parent must receive notice within a reasonable amount of time.

• The student may question any witnesses at the hearing.

• The student may bring witnesses to the hearing.

• The hearing should be offered within the first five days of suspension; if the student is placed immediately, the hearing can occur after placement.

DURING PLACEMENT IN AEDY

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

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

The student must receive a formal periodic review (progress review) at least once every 45 days. The parents and the student, as well as AEDY staff, staff from the school district, and other outside agencies should attend the review. The student’s progress towards academic behavior and attendance goals will be reviewed. Once behavioral goals are met, the student is ready to return to the regular education setting. Once behavioral goals are met, a transition plan is created. The student cannot remain in an AEDY Program for poor grades, not having enough credits, or for other reasons. 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Mark Frengel call 724-667-7782 option 2

Individuals having complaints and concerns regarding AEDY are required to seek resolution via the relevant School District rather than elevating concerns to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in the first instance.  

Any individual or organization may submit a written complaint using the attached AEDY Complaint Form.  The form must be completed and sent to the relevant School District.