Jerome Joint School District No. 261

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 2615

Placement of Credit Deficient Students in Alternative School Settings

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students who are credit deficient are provided with an educational environment that best supports their academic recovery and success. This policy outlines the criteria and procedures for placing credit deficient students in an alternative school setting within the district.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. A student will be considered for placement at Falls City Academy if they meet any of the following criteria.

The student is an “at-risk student” as defined in Idaho Code §33-1001(3).” 

1. The student is an “at-risk student” as defined in Idaho Code §33-1001(3).”

2. Any student who is credit deficient and not on track to graduate from JHS will be referred.

3. Any student who does not earn at least 80% of their credits at Jerome Middle School will be referred.

Procedure:

1. Identification and Notification:

2. School counselors and administrators will identify students who are credit deficient based on seniority.

3. Seniors: Entering their senior year with less that 34 credits

4. Juniors: Entering their junior year with less than 18 credits

5. Careful consideration of students' language level and Special Education status will always be considered in the determination of placement within Falls City Academy. 

Parents/guardians of identified students will be notified and invited to a meeting to discuss the student’s academic status and placement in Falls City Academy.

Meeting and Decision:

1.  A meeting will be convened with the student, their parents/guardians, a Falls City Academy administrator and a Jerome High School/Jerome Middle School administrator or their designee to discuss the student’s academic progress, review the benefits of Falls City Academy, and consider the student’s educational options. While parental participation is highly encouraged, scheduled meetings will be held as planned to address student needs in a timely fashion. In cases of unresponsiveness, thorough documentation will be provided to parents to ensure they are informed of the meeting's outcomes. 

2. If it is determined by the district that placement in Falls City Academy is in the student’s best interest, the student will be enrolled in Falls City Academy .  However, if Falls City Academy is at capacity, the student will be placed on a waiting list and will continue attending Jerome High School or Jerome Middle School until a spot becomes available, at which point the student will be enrolled at Falls City Academy.

Transition Plan:

• Upon enrollment in Falls City Academy, a personalized learning plan will be developed for the student, outlining the courses and credits needed to graduate.

• The student’s progress will be monitored regularly, and adjustments to the learning plan will be made as necessary.

Reintegration into Traditional High School:

• If a student demonstrates significant academic progress and is no longer credit deficient according to the Jerome High School graduation requirements, they may be considered for reintegration into the traditional high school setting. This decision will be made collaboratively with input from the student, parents/guardians, and school staff.

Appeals Process:

• Parents/guardians may appeal the decision to place their child in Falls City Academy by submitting a written request to the superintendent or designee within 10 business days of the placement decision.

  • The superintendent or a designated representative will review the appeal and make a final determination within 15 business days.

• Parents may also appeal the decision of the superintendent or designee by submitting a written request to the District Disciplinary Review Committee (DDRC) within 10 business days of the decision.

  • The DDRC will review the second appeal and make a final determination within 15 business days.

Cross-References Description

2700 High School Graduation Requirements

Legal References Description

IC §§ 33-506 Organization and Government of Board of Trustees 

IC §§ 33-512 Governance of Schools

IDAPA 08.02.03.110 Alternative Secondary Programs

Policy History:

Adopted on: 11/19/2024

Revised on: 05/27/2025

Revised on: 06/23/2026