LEAPP is an alternative to suspension program geared toward 4th through 8th grade students in District U-46, Illinois' second-largest school district encompassing Elgin and 10 other municipalities. In School Year 1999-2000, the program reduced suspensions by 50%.
LEAPP is designed to:
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discourage repeat suspensions;
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improve positive social behavior in students;
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decrease impulsive and aggressive behavior through the use of problem solving
states such as mediation, anger management and violence prevention education;
and
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enable parents to participation in a portion of the program directed at parent
awareness and skills.
The third session also features mandatory parent involvement, where students and their parents discuss successful youth/parent interaction, look at parenting issues and skills, and share their perceptions about the risks and realities of weapon possession and other suspension issues.
LEAPP is open to 4th through 8th grade U-46 students who have been suspended by their home school for such violations as insubordination, bullying behavior, attendance, vandalism, bus violations, unsafe or disruptive dress. Students also can be referred by a parent who feels that his/her child can benefit from the program.
Marlene Berman
Safe & Drug-Free Schools
School District U-46
Elgin, Illinois 60120
847/888-5000 ext. 7006