Alternative Learning Program

A smiling student holds her diploma and shakes her teacher's hand at graduation

Simley High School's Alternative Learning Program (ALP) provides junior and senior students with a unique opportunity to learn in a smaller classroom community. Students are provided with an individualized curriculum developed through collaboration between students and teachers and based on the Minnesota Department of Education's Academic Standards. The curriculum is also developed based on the learning styles, individual needs, abilities, and interests of the student. Our ALP focuses on fostering 21st-century skills to prepare students for a fast-developing technology-based world.

Attendance is a very important part of academic success. The ALP follows Simley's attendance policy, Policy 503 - Student Attendance. Students need 66 credits to earn a Simley High School Diploma. Individualized learning programs differ for each student based on time of enrollment and credit situation.

Each semester, students will take part in various group activities. Students will also take part in project-based learning and challenge-based learning. Group work is an essential component of each credit earned in the ALP.

Mission Statement

Our mission encourages and supports the development of teamwork among parents, students, and teachers. The success of every student is the primary mission of the ALP. To accomplish this goal, we encourage and promote:

individuals having respect for everyone and everything at school.
the academic achievement of each student through a quality school atmosphere, study habits, and work.
the development of each student’s sense of self-worth through a positive self-concept.
the development of each student’s sense of citizenship responsibilities in a democratic society and global community.
a learning atmosphere that is safe and enjoyable.
the readiness of each student to add value to humanity and be productive in an ever-changing world.

Enrollment Information

Students are eligible to earn a Simley High School Diploma or a diploma from the last high school they attended. To receive a diploma from their last high school, they must obtain a written agreement of acceptance.

To enroll in the ALP:

The student must contact their guidance counselor and set up a meeting with Cullen Berg, Assistant Principal of Simley High School.
The student or their guardian must complete an enrollment form provided by Simley.
The student or guardian must set up a meeting between the assistant principal, ALP teachers, guidance counselor, parent/guardian, and student.

The student must meet the graduation requirements of ISD 199 or the district issuing the diploma. Requirements vary by district. Each student's credit needs are individually assessed and approved.

ISD 199 Graduation Requirements

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is encouraged. Students will make better progress toward their learning goals with a regular study program.

Students must sign in and out each time they enter the classroom so that an accurate record of their seat time and attendance can be maintained. If a student has more than 10 absences during a semester, they will be withdrawn from the program.

Please Note: If a student wishes to re-enter, they will be required to make an appointment to go through the registration process again and re-enter under new guidelines and a student contract.

Courses & Grading

Students can earn credit in the following courses:

English	Science
Social Studies	Physical Education
Math	Health
Electives

A student’s progress will be measured as they achieve the outcomes agreed upon in their learning plan. A credit is earned when a student’s work meets a level of mastery determined to be acceptable by the instructor according to program guidelines. Quality work is stressed. There are no failing grades issued and poor work is not accepted. The students will receive report cards and grades for all credits earned.

The grading curve is as follows:

100-94%: A
93-90%:    A-
89-87%:    B+
86-84%:    B
83-80%:    B-
79-77%:    C+
76-74%:    C
73-70%:    C-
69-67%:    D+
66-64%:    D
63-60%:    D-
59% and below is not accepted

Program Administrators

Program Leaders

Alternative Learning Program Teacher Kay Martin

Simley Alternative Learning Program Teacher Krishna Yuvaraj

Simley Alternative Learning Program
Room EA 211
2920 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Program Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:20 PM

An Award-winning Program

An Award-winning Program

Simley High School received the 2011 Star of Innovation Award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) for the implementation of its groundbreaking Alternative Learning Program. Programs nominated for the award must be effective and innovative, and they must demonstrate a positive impact on education.

Simley was one of only three high schools in the state to receive the Star of Innovation Award.

The ALP was redesigned during the 2010-2011 school year to emphasize technology integration and collaboration - two key components that drive Apple’s Challenge-based Learning approach to teaching and learning.

Injecting technology into the classroom sparked student interest and created an environment where students can excel towards reaching their maximum potential. Engaging tools such as iPads and a video conferencing system allowed students the opportunity to expand their horizons.

The physical setup of the classroom was also transformed, expanding the program’s identity. Two classrooms became one so students could work together more efficiently. Flexible furniture was brought in that comfortably fit study materials and allowed students to work together more easily.

“It was important that we create a comfortable setting that could emulate the environment students are accustomed to learning in while away from the classroom,” former Simley High School Principal Jerry Sakala said at the time.

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