RD181 - Annual Report on the Status of the Individual Student Alternative Education Program (ISAEP)


Executive Summary:
The Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) program prepares certain secondary students to take the Tests of General Educational Development (GED) while developing career and technical education skills. Section22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia authorizes local school boards to fulfill compulsory attendance requirements for individuals who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in an ISAEP program that includes career guidance counseling, GED preparation, counseling on the economic impact of not completing high school, and procedures for reenrollment.

During 2004-05 school year:

• The Department of Education allocated $2,247,581 in grants to support ISAEP programs in school divisions. The grants ranged from $7,859 to $102,162.

• Technical assistance activities focused on increasing the use of technology to support assessment and instructional activities and effective counseling and transitional strategies for ISAEP students.

• School divisions reported that 5,950 students between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age qualified for an ISAEP and received ISAEP services. This was an increase in student enrollment of 17 percent from 2003-2004. The percentage of 16-year-old students with an ISAEP substantially increased from 26 percent to 34percent; 17-year-old enrollment decreased from 56 percent to 48 percent; and 18-year-old student enrollment did not significantly change.

For additional information, contact the Office of Adult Education and Literacy, Virginia Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120, 804-876-7644.