Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) are defined as schools that have a specialized mission and serve either a special-needs or at-risk population, where more than 95% of students have either an Individualized Education Program or meet the definition of a “high-risk” student. Each year, schools may apply for designation as an Alternative Education Campus by submitting a request to the Department. The Department evaluates schools on academic achievement, academic growth, postsecondary and workforce readiness, and student engagement (rather than academic growth gaps as in the traditional SPF).
