An alternative academic program and social environment that provides a safe space for students. STEP collaborates with our schools and families to meet students where they are on their educational journey, to help them recover credits needed and graduate with their high school diploma.

High school student enrolled in an ESU15 public school, who is at-risk of not achieving the credits required in order to graduate. This includes the following:

• Dundy County High School

• Wauneta/Palisade High School

• Hayes Center High School

• Hitchcock County High School

• Southwest High School

• Maywood High School

• Medicine Valley High School

STEP is an in-person program that uses a curriculum tailored to the student's academic needs. All classes are completed online using a program called SchoolsPLP. Students are expected to work in the STEP classroom as well as time outside of class. The STEP program works with each individual school and student to set up a schedule that is in the student's best interest.

1. Eligibility and Recommendation

- Referrals must be initiated by the student's current school administration or school counselor

- The referral process is designed to ensure that students who could significantly benefit from our alternative education approach are carefully considered

2. Submission Process

- Complete referrals should be submitted electronically to:

Lacey Alig, Director of Alternative Education

Email: lalig@esu15.org

3. Referral Considerations

- All submitted referrals will receive a comprehensive review

- Acceptance into the STEP Program is not guaranteed and depends on a holistic assessment of the student's educational needs and program compatibility

Supporting Documentation:

We recommend including the following with the referral:

- Current academic performance records

- Relevant behavioral assessments

- Previous intervention strategies

Parent/Guardian Involvement:

While the initial referral comes from school personnel, we strongly encourage:

- Open communication between the school, parents/guardians, and our alternative education team

- Parent/guardian consent and collaboration throughout the evaluation process

Next Steps:

- After submission, our team will review the referral within 10 business days

- The director will contact the referring school administrator to discuss the potential placement

The student's parents/guardian and school must decide that STEP may be the best route for the student's success. The student must then be referred by their school's administration or school counselor to the director of STEP. A referral from will be completed by the school, a questionnaire for the prospective student, and a questionnaire to be filled out by the prospective student's parent/guardian.

Referral form

Student Questionnaire

Parent/Guardian Questionnaire