Public Schools: The Pros And Cons Of Alternative Schools

Public high schools have been the norm in America for decades, but it’s clear that there are many flaws in the system. 1.2 million American students drop out of high school every year (DoSomething.org). Even more students have enrolled in what are known as “alternative schools”: modes of education other than public schooling (Guthrie 82). Obviously, there is something these alternative schools have that public schools do not. Several of these alternative schools implement something known as the ILP – or the Individualized Learning Plan. Since so many people are leaving public schools for these ILP-centric alternative schools, it must be inferred that they make up for where public schools fall short.
In order to fully understand how to fix the problems of public high schools, one must review what those problems really are. Perhaps the biggest dilemma lies in the teachers’ lack of lecturing expertise (Lowe). Since nearly all public high schools rely on lectures as a teaching medium, this is a large and widespread complication. While many teachers are extremely capable and knowledgeable …show more content…
Possibly the biggest advantage to ILP learning is that it is tailored to the student. All people change, and individualized learning recognizes that. Learning plans can and will contour to the student’s needs whenever necessary. Another perk is the smaller size of classes, resulting in more one-on-one attention. Optional schools are similar to a hypothetical communal homeschool, with the teachers giving the same amount of undivided attention to each student. However, the most important benefit is shown by solid results. Studies have shown that students on an individualized learning plan were much more driven and experienced higher grades than those who did not (Dreambox). Undoubtedly, ILPs are a much more effective strategy of education that typical, run-of-the-mill