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Alternative Education

An AEDY Program is a program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to provide a temporary placement for disruptive students in grades 6 through 12. Students placed in an AEDY Program continue to make academic progress towards graduation and work to remedy disruptive behavior through counseling and other behavioral interventions. AEDY placements are used only as a last resort, after all other behavioral interventions have failed to remedy the student’s disruptive behavior(s).

Placements in AEDY Programs are temporary. Students may only stay in placement until they have met their behavioral goals, at which time, students return to the regular education setting.

Placement Criteria

  1. Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules;
  2. Display of or use of controlled substances on school property or during school affiliated activities;
  3. Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-affiliated activities;
  4. Possession of a weapon on school property, as defined under 18 Pa. C.S. § 912 (relating to possession of weapon on school property);
  5. Commission of a criminal act on school property or during school-affiliated activities;
  6. Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy.

In the Program

AEDY Programs may only be used when all other established methods of intervention and/or discipline have been exhausted.

Programs provide a temporary removal for students in grades 6 to 12. Students must receive:

  • 990 hours of instruction
  • 2.5 counseling hours weekly
  • Behavior assessment within 5 days
  • A formal periodic review which outlines individual goals for the student
  • Course credits
  • Options for elective courses

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