Sacaton Elementary School District #18 is committed to providing safe, structured, and supportive learning environments that promote student growth, accountability, and academic success. Beginning this 2026-2027 school year, SESD #18 will implement an Alternative Learning Classroom designed specifically for middle school students in grades 6–8 who require additional behavioral and academic support.
The Alternative Learning Classroom is intended to provide students with a restorative educational environment focused on rebuilding academic skills, improving behavior, and preparing students for a successful transition back into the traditional classroom setting.
The classroom will be led by a certified Alternative Learning Teacher, who will serve as the teacher of record and guide students through the educational process using a structured online curriculum combined with individualized academic support. The teacher will be assisted by an Educational Support Specialist, who will help students make the necessary behavioral, social, and academic adjustments required for success in a school environment.
Students enrolling in Sacaton Elementary School District #18 from another school who have been placed on Long-Term Suspension or students that are returning to school from Long-Term Suspension will automatically be assigned to the Alternative Learning Classroom for a minimum of one full academic quarter. In addition, current SESD #18 students may be placed in the program due to multiple significant behavioral incidents, attendance concerns, or serious disciplinary referrals.
Examples of behaviors that may result in placement include:
Fighting
Defiance
Major classroom disruptions
Possession or use of drugs or alcohol on campus
Other significant safety or behavioral concerns
A Behavior Threat Assessment process will also be utilized when considering student placement into the Alternative Learning Classroom from within the district.
Students assigned to the program will remain in the alternative setting for a minimum of one full grading quarter before being considered for transition back into the regular classroom environment. During this time, staff and administration will closely monitor student attendance, behavior, academic performance, and overall progress.
Before a student may transition back to the traditional classroom setting, a formal staff recommendation, including approval from the acting administrator, must be completed. If a recommendation is not made, the student will remain in the alternative setting until sufficient progress has been demonstrated.
Should a student continue to exhibit serious behavioral concerns while in the Alternative Learning Classroom, additional disciplinary actions may be considered, including recommendations for long-term suspension or evaluation for additional educational or behavioral support services.
The district’s goal is not punitive in nature, but restorative. The Alternative Learning Classroom is designed to help students:
Develop appropriate school behaviors
Improve academic achievement
Build responsibility and accountability
Learn coping and problem-solving skills
Successfully reintegrate into the regular school environment
To maintain the structure and integrity of the program, students assigned to the Alternative Learning Classroom will remain separate from the general student population during the school day and will not socialize with students outside of the alternative setting.
Sacaton Elementary School District #18 believes that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Through structure, accountability, academic support, and restorative practices, the Alternative Learning Classroom will provide students with the tools necessary to move forward positively and productively.