Alternative Education Policy Network: Update and Future Directions
In this webinar, participants discussed what’s happening in alternative education across the country and accessed new resources. Since 2024, Education Northwest’s Alternative Education Policy Network (AEPN) has convened policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to improve outcomes for students in alternative high school settings. This session highlighted updates and insights from the network while creating space to share what supports and policy shifts you want to see in the future.
In breakout rooms, participants were asked to reflect on the change they wanted to see in the alternative education landscape, the tools and information they needed to make change, and the benefits of networking as the Alternative Education Policy Network. Here is a summary of their responses.
Change
If you could change one thing in the alternative education landscape over the next three years, what would it be?
Establish dedicated, protected funding for alternative education, rather than relying on fragmented or temporary sources.
Ensure funding follows students, especially those moving between K–12, alternative, reengagement, and adult education systems.
Reduce stigma and misperceptions about alternative education by reframing it as rigorous, innovative, and equity‑driven—not as a “last resort.”
Expand career‑connected learning, including pathways that lead to industry credentials, dual enrollment, and jobs.
Create parity of opportunity so alternative education students have access to the same college and career options as students in traditional settings.
Strengthen early intervention and safety nets, including clearer pathways for middle school students who are disengaging.
Align accountability structures to programming to improve the rigor and credibility of credit recovery while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to students’ needs.
Information
What is one critical question or challenge you don’t currently have good information, examples, or tools to address—and what might help?
Need for practical tools, such as repositories of school and program models that have been successful, clear accountability snapshots tailored to alternative education, and shared metrics that capture access, engagement, and growth—not just graduation rates
Longitudinal data showing where students start, how they move across systems, and where they end up—especially growth over time.
Accountability systems focused on recognizing disrupted pathways, re‑entry, or accelerated progress in alternative settings, including pathways into postsecondary (especially for students with IEPs).
Evidence on which program models work best, including career‑connected pathways vs. GED or adult education routes, online/credit‑recovery heavy models vs. more relationship‑based, comprehensive programming, programs with wraparound services vs. those without, and models where students earn a diploma and college credit at the same time.
Networking
How can being part of a national alternative education policy network support your local work?
Reduces isolation by connecting practitioners, policymakers, and advocates doing similar work.
Provides examples from other states that can be used to inform policymakers, legal teams, and legislators. Strengthens advocacy by showing that proposed policies are proven elsewhere, not isolated ideas.