| Some students find it difficult to reach graduation in a secondary school due to the environment. As a result, they may be more successful in an alternative setting to complete their education. Some of the causes of not being successful could include high absenteeism or poor behavior, which may result in dropping out of school. Students need options to continue to earn their diplomas but outside the regular secondary education setting.;The students' perceptions of an alternative program in a public school district in the state of Maryland have provided some insight on what is happening in that program. Alternative programs have been researched since the 1960s, but their evaluation has not received much attention with additional research. Alternative programs are an option for students who are not successful in the regular education setting and can help students stay in school and reach the goal of graduation.;This qualitative analysis seeks the students' perceptions of an alternative program in a public school district in the state of Maryland. The 6 participants were graduates of this specific alternative program. Other data sources included semi-structured interviews, field notes and other supportive documents. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The students' perceptions include reasons they were placed into the program, positive and negative experiences while in the program, challenges encountered and recommended improvements to the program. The conclusions of the research found that each student reached graduation but had mixed perceptions about his/her learning needs. |
