Alternative higher education has pros and cons. It offers a flexible curriculum, smaller class sizes, lower absenteeism rates, and a low-stress environment. However, fitting in can be difficult, social interactions are reduced, and there is a negative connotation associated with it. The modified curriculum benefits gifted students and those with learning disabilities. The smaller class size allows for more interaction between teacher and student. The relaxed environment is conducive to learning, but the transition from traditional to alternative education can be overwhelming. Alternative education has a stigma attached to it and may affect future job prospects.
There are several pros and cons that need to be considered before deciding on alternative higher education. The flexible curriculum, smaller class sizes, lower absenteeism rate, and low-stress environment can provide an environment conducive to better learning. The difficulty of fitting in, the reduced number of social interactions and the negative connotations associated with alternative education, however, can influence the way the student behaves outside the classroom.
Alternative higher education is characterized by a modified curriculum that does not follow that used in a regular public high school. The curriculum can normally be adapted to fit the student’s learning pace, which is particularly beneficial to gifted students and those with learning disabilities. An example of this would be a charter school for the gifted, created to develop students’ academic and artistic talents.
Class size at an alternative high school is usually smaller than at a middle school. This allows for a lower teacher/pupil ratio. The lower ratio facilitates more interaction between teacher and student and gives the teacher the opportunity to frequently answer the student’s questions. Students who have difficulty interacting with large numbers of peers may thrive in an alternative school. Also, the teacher can focus more on correcting some misbehaviors of the students that are usually ignored in a larger class.
Students may enjoy studying at an alternative high school due to its relatively relaxed environment. The absence of large numbers of students and a rigorous curriculum can result in lower stress levels which are more conducive to learning. Alternative higher education also prevents students from “falling through the cracks” by placing more emphasis on developing the student’s strengths instead of maintaining a specific grade point average. Students enjoy studying and the absenteeism rate has decreased.
On the other hand, the transition from a traditional setting to an alternative school can be overwhelming for a student, especially if the transition occurs later in high school rather than early. The group that the student was used to will be absent, which could lead to difficulties in adapting. This is also true when a student transitions from an alternative middle school to a regular high school. Additionally, the lack of classroom diversity in an alternative high school can also affect how the student will socialize in the future.
Another downside is the stigma that can be attached to alternative high school students. Alternative higher education is commonly offered as a last resort to “at risk” students who find it difficult to function in a middle-class environment. Additionally, a student graduating from an alternative high school may have difficulty applying for a job.
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