SWBOCES Alternative Education Program Featured in 'New York Teacher'

The Southern Westchester BOCES Alternative High School, designated one of the top five alternative high schools in New York State, was recently featured in an issue of New York Teacher , the magazine published by the New York State United Teachers.

The Alternative High School, located at the Center for Career Services campus in Valhalla, is "A Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name," as the title of the article suggested. The article noted that the SWBOCES Alternative High School provides classes with an average of 12 to 15 students: "This intimate setting has created a kind of 21 st -century version of the one-room schoolhouse," noted the article, giving students the opportunity to develop positive relationships with adults. The article also noted that students at alternative high schools are permitted to progress in their academics in a supportive environment. Enrollment in New York 's alternative education programs has almost doubled since 1996-97, with nearly 100,000 students attending alternative education programs, according to the latest statistics.

SWBOCES teachers featured in the "New York Teacher" story included English teacher Chris Kincart, math teacher Jim Bellucci, and social studies teacher Tom Burgess.

"Our program is all about helping students to succeed at a time in their lives when success is crucial," said Eileen Bloom, supervisor of the SWBOCES Alternative Education Program. "Our teachers are among the best you will find in education anywhere."

Claudia Fuller, Director of the Center for Career Services, said she wasn't surprised when New York Teacher chose the SWBOCES program for their story. "We have an excellent reputation in the area of alternative education," said Ms. Fuller, "and we're proud of the program and of the great things it has accomplished."

To read the entire New York Teacher article, check out the January Issue of the magazine or log onto the NYSUT web site link at.