If a child's behavior, such as fighting or shutting down, causes problems, placement in an alternative school setting may modify the behavior and help the child to succeed. Characterizing a child's behavior as problematic or not may fuel arguments between parents and teachers over the proper school setting for him.
One argument for an alternative school placement is that sometimes a traditional setting is unsafe or otherwise not conducive to learning. Bullying, for example, can lead a child or her parents to seek a safer school environment.
One argument for alternative school placement is educational effectiveness for special-needs children. Everyone deserves a shot at a good education. Any program that fosters awareness of children's special needs and provides individualized instruction may better serve such children than a traditional setting. It can be argued that special-needs students should be allowed to attend alternative schools so they may become productive members of society.
Students and parents ideally should agree on an alternative school placement. Considering such a placement may provoke arguments in the family. Parents must be willing to listen to their children's feelings, but parents ultimately must make the placement decision.