Alternative Cooperative Education

What is Alternative Cooperative Education (ACE)?

ACE is a work experience program that teaches and provides the practice of skills that will allow each student to become as successful and independent as possible.  Areas of instruction include: academics, daily living skills, communications, goal setting, vocational planning and preparation, use of community resources, and personal/social development.
Occupationally, the program assists students in developing positive job seeking attitudes and skills leading to job acquisition, maintenance and retention.

What are the goals?

• To enhance the educational opportunities for "at risk" and special needs students.

• To have school and community come together to assist students in acquiring a High School Diploma.

• To instruct students in a variety of skills which will enable them to compete in the work force and to live as productive, contributing members of society.

Who are ACE students?

• Junior/Senior status or equivalent

• Student at risk of dropping out (attendance/grades may be an issue)

• Student with special needs or disabilities

• Desire for career exploration and work experience

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How does ACE Work?

Students may either independently acquire a job or those with more significant support needs may work at a job site developed by the ACE coordinator.  Below is more information concerning how this works at these different levels.

• Students working on independently acquired jobs receive high school credits for hours worked.  Students carry a complete class load at school and may work outside their school hours.  Evaluations are completed by the employer with ACE Coordinator follow-up and support.  Classroom instruction includes job behavior skills, work ethic, and career development.

• Students with more significant support needs are trained at a job site with a Colorado School District No. 11 job coach.  These students typically spend 1-4 hours per week at this site, during school hours.  They are actually employees of Colorado Springs School District No. 11 with pay and liability provided by the district.  Students self-assess their work, social and personal skills, with job coach feedback, after each work period.

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How is school credit earned?

• Class; 1-2 credits/year

• Work; 1-2 credits/year = 135-270 work hours (Approximately 15 hours/week)

The parents, students and staff of Mitchell High School believe that all students will learn in our safe, academically rigorous environment, which is driven by high expectations and standards-based instruction. Our Staff will work with parents and community members in developing students who are responsible, literate and caring citizens. 

We value our diverse student body. We will collaborate in our learning community to address the various educational needs of our students. We accept no excuses for failure as we prepare students for post-secondary experiences.