Cora Cox Alternative Education Program

not just an alternative, but an opportunity

As early as 1984, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the establishment of an alternative school for students who were having disciplinary problems. In 1992, the General Assembly mandated that one alternative school be established for each local school district to serve suspended and expelled youth. The Tennessee Department of Education works to help districts ensure that quality alternative learning environments are created for students. The Department coordinates activities of both the Study Council for Alternative Education and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education. Both entities work alongside Department officials to improve alternative education in Tennessee and to serve as an advocate for students and teachers in alternative school settings.

best practices for alternative educators

The Governor’s Alternative Education Advisory Group has suggested several general recommendations for alternative educators:

  • Schools should avoid sending students to alternative schools for 5-10 day suspensions. Students should be remanded to an alternative school for an appropriate length of time for learning to occur.
  • Whenever possible, the student’s transition back to the home school should occur at a natural break, such as the end of a grading period or semester.
 
These recommendations are not a mandatory requirement for alternative educators and/or alternative schools or programs.
 

CCA SERVES kINGSPORT AS A tRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOL

Cora Cox Academy faculty and staff have participated in extensive professional development to help provide a safe and respectful environment.  The staff's goal is to build relationships with students to help them succeed academically, learn how to regulate their emotions appropriately, and support their mental health and well-being.  Our faculty and staff have learned how to understand that students oftentimes are never asked, "What happened to you?" but rather "Why are you acting this way?" Through the trauma mindset, we are able to help students reach their potential in an academic setting. 

ONLINE CURRICULUM PROGRAMS

  • Odysseyware
  • GradeResults

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

  • CCA has implemented Restorative Practices into it's school day. Students begin each day in a Restorative Circle where they can talk and discuss numerous issues or concerns as well as get to know one another.
  • Restorative questions are utilized to resolve conflicts and hold restorative conferences as needed.

positive behavior intervention and supports

  • ASPIRE - All Students Participate in Restorative/Resilience Education
    • Accountability
    • Safe
    • Participate
    • Individual Responsibility
    • Respect
    • Empathy

Service learning at CCA

  • A key aspect to the ASPIRE program at CCA is giving back to the local community with service. The partnerships that CCA has made are listed here:
    • Small Miracles Equine Therapy Center
    • Waverly Road Presbyterian Church Food pantry
    • PetWorks of Kingsport
    • Habitat for Humanity Restore
    • Second Harvest Food Bank
    • Village at Allandale
    • Preston Place
    • Bays Mountain

STUDENT MENTORING PROGRAM

  • CCA has established a mentoring program with Northeast State Community College where students in the HOME program visit CCA students once per week on campus to assist with their academic work and to build relationships while discussing college and career interests. 
Contact Us!
 
Cora Cox Academy
520 Myrtle Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
 
Ph: (423) 378.2229
Fax: (423) 378.2187