What is Probation?
One of the best things about being at a small school like Steller is that it is harder to slip through the cracks. School should be a positive experience, and the probation process is one of the ways Steller attempts to work with you to make it so. The following is the official Probation Policy.
Probation Policy Statement
The Steller philosphy encourages students to define their own educational goals and fosters responsible freedom. Students who are having difficulty balancing these two concepts may be candidates for probation. At Steller Alternative Seconday School probation is a constructive process designed to support and shape student behavior and academic performance in a direction favorable to the individual student and to the climate of the learning community.
On probationary status, a Steller student will be subject to closer monitoring and greater restriction of privileges that a student in good standing. Conditions of the probation will be documented in a written contract.
Initiating Probation
Probationary status may be recommended by the student’s advisor at the request of any staff member, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), or the student themself. A request for probation may be based on any of the following conditions:
1. The student has earned a GPA of less than 2.0 for the previous semester.
2. The student has not passed 5 classes the previous quarter, 4 of which were academic classes or 10 classes in the previous semester, 8 of which were academic classes. (Academic classes include: all math, science, social studies, language arts, and foreign language classes.)
3. A new student is recommended for probation by the interviewing team based on the student’s interview, previous academic performance, application and/or teacher recommendations.
4. The student has not met the following behavioral expectations of Steller students:
(a) Students are expected to attend classes, including counseling groups.
(b) Students are expected to use class time productively and to participate positively in class activities.
(c) Students are expected to behave with respect and consideration for others.
Such expectations include the appropriate use of language and respect for the rights and property of others. Examples of failure to meet behavioral expectations are a pattern of unexcused absences, unproductive use of class time, or engaging in behaviors that are disruptive to the learning of others.
Probation Meeting and Contract
The terms of the academic and behavioral probation will be established in a meeting between the student, their parent(s)/guardian(s) and their advisor. Other staff may participate when appropriate. In unusual cases, the meeting may take place by telephone. The terms of the probation will be written into a probationary contract which outlines expectations for the student during the probationary period which will last for an entire semester.
The contract will be signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and advisor. The advisor will forward a copy to the principal within 24 hours of its completion.
In the event that the parties can’t agree on the terms for probation, the principal will intercede and facilitate an agreement, or at his/her discretion, impose conditions.
Evaluation and Ending Probation
At the end of the semester, or no later than the first week of the new semester, the advisor will convene a meeting of the original parties to review the student’s performance regarding the probationary contract. The group will decide on one of the following actions:
1. Remove the student from probation, or
2. Continue the probation under a new or extended contract or
3. Recommend a more appropriate educational placement.
No student shall be placed on probation more than twice during his or her career at Steller. This would include a continuation of probation. If after two probationary periods a student has not attained good standing, either academically or behaviorally, transfer to another school or program should be seriously considered by all parties.
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