new state law that gives teachers the authority

to remove seriously disruptive students from

their classes has prompted Fayette County school

officials to look at an alternative education

plan for elementary grade students.

Dr.

Pam Riddle, head of elementary school operations,

said there is a growing need in Fayette County

for an intervention program at this level to

provide appropriate instruction for these

students. The alternative school housed at the

LaFayette Education Center provides an

intervention program for middle and high school

students, but there is nothing for elementary-age

children.

Following

a visit to an elementary intervention program set

up in Douglas County, Riddle told the school

board recently that a classroom of 12 students

with two full-time teachers, two

paraprofessionals and a part-time counselor would

be appropriate. Riddle stressed the need for

intervention instead of punishment. Parent

involvement would be another important component

of the program, she said.

Elementary

school students can be placed in in-school

suspension, but there is currently no plan in

place for instructing the students.

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