The Tucson Unified School District may soon be providing counseling services rather than out-of-school suspensions to some of the district's most troubled students.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that the voluntary program would cater to high school students who have committed the most serious offenses which include harassment, robbery and incidents involving weapons.
A proposed District Alternative Education Program is being developed with help from a national desegregation expert appointed by the federal court to oversee the Tucson district's efforts to eliminate discrimination in its schools.
The program would help students stay on track academically while also helping them work through personal issues. Students who comply with the requirements would have a chance at reducing their suspensions and returning to their home schools.