SECTION 210:35-29-2. Definitions

  The following words and terms, when used in this Subchapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

"Alternative Education" means an educational process incorporating appropriate structure, curriculum, interaction, and reinforcement strategies to stimulate learning with students who have not utilized their capacity to do so within traditional educational settings. Alternative education programs must meet all requirements listed at 70 O.S. § 1210.568 and at section 210:35-29-7 of this title.

"Abbreviated school day" means, for purposes of an alternative education program approved by the State Board of Education:

(A)   A school day which consists of not less than four (4) hours and twelve (12) minutes per day devoted to academic instruction for the locally approved 180 day school calendar; or

(B)   A school day which may consist of less than four (4) hours and twelve (12) minutes per day devoted to academic instruction, provided that students in alternative education programs receive at least seven hundred fifty-six (756) hours of academic instruction per school year. A school district that chooses the total instructional hours scheduling approach for its alternative education program must notify the State Board of Education by September 15 of each applicable school year.

"Academic instruction" means, for purposes of an alternative education program approved by the State Board of Education:

(A)   Instruction in any subject offered by the school district for core or elective credit, whether part of the standard educational program or offered specifically to students in the alternative education program;

(B)   Instruction in any subject offered for credit through a technology center or through concurrent enrollment at a college or university; and

(C)   Participation in programs and activities that are part of the school district or interlocal cooperative's approved Alternative Education Implementation Plan and are intended to fulfill the requirements for alternative education programs, including counseling, life skills instruction, concurrent enrollment, work study, and other content approved by the State Board of Education.

"At-risk student" means a student whose present or expected status indicates they might fail to complete their secondary education for reasons which may include academic deficiency, behavioral difficulties, excessive absences, pregnancy or parenting, family issues, substance abuse, financial issues, physical or mental health issues, juvenile justice involvement, or other such factors, not including disability status.

[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 31, eff 9-29-94 (emergency); Added at 12 Ok Reg 1365, eff 5-25-95; Revoked at 14 Ok Reg 3361, eff 5-5-97 (emergency); Amended at 15 Ok Reg 19, eff 10-7-97 (emergency); Amended at 15 Ok Reg 2306, eff 6-11-98; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 2910, eff 7-13-00; Amended at 32 Ok Reg 933, eff 8-27-15]