As early as 1984, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the establishment of an alternative school for students who were having disciplinary problems.  In 1992, the General Assembly mandated that one alternative school be established for each local school district to served suspended and expelled youth.  The Tennessee Department of Education is working to help districts ensure that quality alternative learning environments are created for students.  The Department coordinates activities of both the Study Council for Alternative Education and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education.  Both entities work alongside Department officials to improve alternative education in Tennessee and to serve as an advocate for students and teachers in alternative school settings.

The purpose and goal of this website is to provide a forum for networking, supply relevant and pertinent information about alternative education, highlight best practices in the field, and inform practitioners of upcoming training and technical assistance workshops.  For more information on alternative education in Tennessee please contact James Vince Witty at (615) 532-4768 or by email to james.witty@state.tn.us.