The most immediately impactful issue facing Passages Middle School is student transition to our program. There is currently only one package of forms that simply provide contact information and signed releases. I propose to implement a process that defines from the beginning the goals and objectives that we as a team (student, teacher, parent, home district) must work towards for the future educational needs of students. I feel like the transition in our program is the key to getting out of our program. If we know from the beginning what the most critical issues to work on are and get buy-in from all stakeholders, especially the student, there is a greater chance for the student to successfully return to their home school. During my brief I sometimes felt like our program was being used as a warehouse for kids who wore out their teachers, administrators, and potentially the students themselves. While I appreciate the idea that a student can find success in a new environment, I think it is wise to be more intentional about the process by which we identify goals and progress. I know some students will be with me the entire time. These students need smaller classes and a consistent relationship with a teacher. However, I believe that if we truly want to serve the interests of even the students who are with us long-term, we need to think about what needs to happen for that student to move on to high school. Relationship to Alternative Education Transition with a Purpose fits into an overall alternative education program because of its emphasis on getting the student back on the right track so they are less likely to have problems in high school. a student's success the goal in a more meaningful way. I recently had a special education referral meeting for one of my students who was in the class before I arrived. I heard about his story for the first time. I heard about his problems at home. Every single piece of information would and will be very important to me as I work to help this student learn to deal with some of his problems. However, the most important thing is that we discussed the goals to work towards for his success and the possible return to his home school. I have been working with this student for two months and now I have finally agreed on the goals set with all parties present important to the student's success, including the student himself. How much more beneficial the student experience would have been these last two months if we had implemented a transition with purpose?.