Alternative Pathways students will follow all guidelines and procedures as noted in our Jefferson Parent-Guardian /  Student Handbook. 

2023-2024 Parent-Guardian/Student Handbook

Our online classes will be offered through Graduation Alliance.  Graduation Alliance works with students through partnerships with schools and is dedicated to providing alternative pathways to high school graduation.  Through this partnership, students will have access to online instruction and support from Jefferson High Alternative Pathways staff.  Each Graduation Alliance course is equal to one JHS semester course and earns .5 credit toward graduation requirements.

We value strong, two-way communication with parents and guardians regarding academic progress. We have several ways in which we can communicate with each other throughout the school year:

• Monitoring online grade reporting

• Reviewing progress reports and report cards 

• Having conversations about academic progress throughout the year and at conferences

• Contacting teacher through email or by phone

Students will be graded by a licensed Graduation Alliance teacher for online classes and a JHS teacher for in-person classes at JHS.

Grading Scale

Please see graduation requirements located in our Course & Curriculum Guide located on the Jefferson School District website for complete details. You may also refer to your transcript for this information.  Your JHS counselor will create a graduation pathway with you, noting the courses you will take each semester.

Students who live in the Jefferson School District and would like to explore alternatives to a traditional school model, can complete an application for enrollment into the Alternative Pathways Program at JHS.  The application will be reviewed by an administrator and/or counselor for consideration and an initial meeting will be scheduled.

Each student is unique and each application will be reviewed by the administrator and counselor to determine the program eligibility and availability.

Link to application (print copy)

Link to Google Form (online)

We offer three options in our alternative program: Fully Online, Hybrid and Short Term.

Fully Online Option

• This option is for students who would like a fully online educational experience.
• Students will take two Graduation Alliance courses at a time during a 4 week period.  Once students finish their course, another will be assigned.
• Students will meet with our counselor and create a course plan for the school year.
• Students requirements:
  • Create a schedule for learning at home
  • Meet with our JHS Alternative Pathways staff a minimum of two times per week through Google Meet
  • Set goals for completing course
  • Complete addition graduation preparation requirements (Plan & Profile)

Hybrid Option

• This option is tailored to the individual’s student need and may be a combination of the following:
  • Classes in-person at JHS and online classes at home
  • Online classes (Graduation Alliance) with support during in-person work time in our Pathway Classroom by JHS pathway staff
  • A combination of above
• Students taking online courses will complete two courses at a time during a 4 week period.  Once students finish their course, another will be assigned.
• In-person courses will follow the JHS schedule and calendar.
• Students will meet with our JHS counselor and create a course plan for the school year.
• Students requirements:
  • Create a schedule for learning at home (as applicable)
  • Set goals for completing online courses
  • Complete additional graduation preparation requirements (Plan & Profile)

Short-term Option

• This option is for students who require a period of time away from in-person learning for a specific reason. Students are referred to this option by the administrator and/or school counselor.
• Students may continue with JHS classwork through Google Classroom and in-person work time in our Pathway Classroom.
• Students may be enrolled in an online course through Graduation Alliance.
• Students will meet with our counselor and create a plan for the period of time in the program.
• Students requirements:
  • Create a schedule for learning at home
  • Meet with our JHS Pathways staff as determined in the plan through Google Meet
  • Meet with an administrator and/or counselor on return to in-person learning at JHS

This will depend on the program model each student chooses in consultation with administration.  Students may set a schedule for learning at home, taking online Graduation Alliance taught classes, which will include Google Meets with JHS Alternative Pathway staff.  Other students may work in the Pathways classroom for part of the day and complete other work at home or in-person at JHS.  Our goal is to provide the model that best supports your student’s learning needs.  Students will create  a schedule for online work at home.  Alternative Pathways students are expected to engage in a full schedule, whether that is all online or hybrid.

The Alternative Pathways Classroom is open from 9:30 to 12:00 and is located at the District Office. During this time, students may work on site or participate in Google Meets.

Each student’s IEP team determines the most appropriate placement. If an IEP team determines that the alternative program is the least restrictive placement, that student is welcomed to attend.

There may be transportation depending on the program model and the schedule of the student.  For most students in the alternative program, students will need to arrange their own transportation. Transportation needs will be discussed at the initial placement meeting.

Yes!  Alternative Pathways is a program and part of Jefferson High School.

Jefferson High School follows attendance requirements as identified by the Oregon Department of Education.  Students will be expected to follow the guidelines of the program they are enrolled in, and attendance will be taken daily.  This may be through log hours online, in-person class attendance at JHS, or online meetings through Google Meet.  Attendance will be discussed during the initial intake meetings with the administrator and/or counselor.

A student is allowed 7 absences in a 9 week quarter. If a student accrues more than 10 absences staff will schedule a meeting with parents/guardians and the student. If a student accrues more than 20 absences they are in jeopardy of being removed from the program.

Grading Scale

≤ 59%=N (did not pass)

Alternative Pathways is a program and part of Jefferson High School.  Students will earn the State of Oregon basic diploma and participate in the JHS graduation ceremony.

Alternative Pathways is a program and part of Jefferson High School.  Unless specifically stated in the JHS Alternative Pathways Handbook, students  are expected to follow the Jefferson High School Handbook and are held to those standards.

Alternative Pathways staff will regularly check in with students regarding progress.  For students who find the content challenging, Pathways Staff will support them with additional time working in our Pathways classroom or online in a Google Meet.  

Alternative Pathways staff will speak with students and parents/guardians to develop a plan of support for students who are not completing work.  If students are not attending and completing online assignments, there may be a meeting with an administrator to discuss enrollment.  

Students will not be assigned a new course until they pass their current course within their scheduled timeline. 

Being successful in the alternative setting requires students to adhere to the guidelines, and to continue to show improvement and progress toward passing their assigned courses.  Being successful in the alternative setting requires students to attend classes regularly, complete and submit assignments in a timely manner, and meet with their JHS support staff at assigned times. Being successful in an alternative setting requires a strong partnership between the student and JHS/Graduation Alliance staff members.  It requires responsibility, independent work, self-discipline, organization, and initiative.  Alternative Education is not for everyone, and a student who is unwilling to follow through risks their enrollment in this program.

Students who are enrolled in Pathways will have to remain in the program until the semester ends because of the impact to a student’s transcript.  Alternative Pathways staff will meet with the student to develop a plan to support a student’s plan to return to JHS in-person.

For enrollment information: Laura Pierce-Cummings 541-327-3337 x 1249

For graduation and scheduling questions: Holly Rahn 541-327-3337 x1261