The alternative program of Covington Independent Public Schools was recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education as an Alternative Program of Distinction.

The program was among 11 recognized at the board meeting of the Kentucky Board of Education last month.

Covington Alternative Program include the Transformational Learning Center, Computer Based Learning, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky Classes, Youth Build, Work Force, Covington Adult High School, Covington’s Alternative to Suspension (CATS), Substance Use Disorder Program and Graduation Track.

“The ultimate goal of Covington’s alternative program is to return the students back to the general population at Holmes High School or Holmes Middle School,’’ said Lorie Duffy, principal of Transformational Learning Center.   “But there are some students who do not thrive in a typical setting, therefore, Covington Independent Public Schools is working hard to give all students opportunities to graduate and earn experiences for future careers.’’

Each program selected received $2,000 from the Kentucky Department of Education and $1,000 from the Kentucky Center for School Safety for instructional support. Information on the schools also will be posted on the KDE website, so other schools can use the programs as models.
  
KDE began highlighting exemplary practices in public school alternative programs in 2009. In order to be determined as an Alternative Program of Distinction, each program submits and application and a team from the Kentucky Department of Education conducts a site visit. After a rigorous review of the application and data, observations of classrooms and interviews with students, staff and administration, the KDE team determines the progress and growth of the program.