(a) "Alternative program" means the regular delivery of the majority of a student's instruction through classroom or other methods designed to address the needs of individual students or particular groups of students that might be different from the methods of instruction used by the standard schools of the district. (b) An alternative program may be housed in the same facility as a standard school or at a different location. (c) An alternative program shall be: (1) Designed to address the personalized needs of students, including, but not limited to, dropout prevention; and (2) Approved by the local school board in a plan that: a. States the goals of the program and curriculum to be provided; b. Specifies the procedures for assessing and implementing its program plan consistent with RSA 193-C:3, III; c. Specifies when the program would be offered, which may be at a time other than during the regular school day; d. Demonstrates how the alternative program will enable the participating students to achieve the same district and graduation competencies outlined for all students and consistent with RSA 193-C:3; and e. Explicitly detail how extended learning opportunities will be incorporated as a learning option for all students. (d) Alternative programs for students with disabilities shall meet the requirements of Ed 1119. (e) Prior to implementing an alternative program, a school administrative unit shall submit to the department the following: (1) A copy of the local school board's approval, including the plan submitted; (2) The location of the alternative program; and (3) Copies of inspection reports from the municipal health officer and fire department if the alternative program is to be housed in a building other than an approved school. (f) Each student participating in an alternative program shall participate in the state assessment exam, when applicable. (g) Assignment of students to alternative programs shall be voluntary and shall require written approval from the parent or guardian. (h) Staff assigned to alternative programs shall meet the same certification requirements as staff assigned to standard schools in accordance with Ed 306.15. (i) Students in alternative programs shall be provided student services equivalent to those provided in standard schools including, but not limited to, food and nutrition services under Ed 306.11, health services under Ed 306.12, and guidance and counseling services under Ed 306.39. (j) The school year for alternative programs shall meet the requirements of Ed 306.18. (k) Alternative programs which result in the award of a high school diploma shall meet the requirements of Ed 306.27(q). (l) Alternative programs which are supervised by the principal of a standard school shall be considered part of that standard school for reporting purposes under Ed 306.23, for assessment under Ed 306.24, and for school approval under Ed 306.28. (m) Alternative programs which are supervised by a district level administrator shall be considered a separate school of the district for reporting purposes under Ed 306.23, for assessment under Ed 306.24, and for school approval under Ed 306.28.

V. Any pupil expelled by a local school board under the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 shall not be eligible to enroll in another school district in New Hampshire for the period of such expulsion. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the local school district that expelled the student from providing educational services to such students in an alternative setting.