In 1990 TAAE was started by a small group of alternative educators in the Dallas area. From that small beginning we have grown to a membership of over 1,000 statewide. Since the beginning of TAAE we have experienced great progress in alternative education but also great challenges with TAKS, GED, DAEP, JJAEP, Charter Schools and Schools of Choice. Through all of these challenges the need for alternative education has been embraced by TEA, school administrators and the state legislators.

Throughout our alternative education experiences we have learned what does not work with our students as well as what has worked. Traditional schools do not work for all students. Standard teaching practices in the classroom do not reach them and cold environments found in large traditional schools drive them away.

What has worked has been alternative schools who “Do What It Takes” to help students reach their potential. These alternative schools know the importance of a curriculum that thinks outside of the traditional box, a class size that allows for individual engagement, personal support and a staff who understands that the chaotic lives of our students must be addressed before they can achieve academic success.

I do not intend to indicate that all alternative schools are alike. Like our students, alternative educators realize traditional schools do not meet the needs of every student and that we must find new ways to help our students become academically successful as well as successful members of society. What ties alternative educators together is the philosophy of “Whatever It Takes” when finding solutions for student success.


April Coker
TAAE President