What is the difference between alternative schools and special schools?
Q. Many people always assume that only special needs students go to alternative schools when it's not true. Isn't it against the "least restrictive environment" to send special needs students to the alternative school? Shouldn't they go to a special school since it meets their needs? Alternative schools don't support special needs students well. They don't have speech or self-contained classes. What kind of parent would send their own special needs child to the alternative school that doesn't even meet their needs? The special school would be more appropriate. I thought alternative schools were schools that were nontraditional. I thought they provided a choice for students. Students aren't forced to go to alternative schools. It's… [cont.]
Asked by Dakota Fanning Fan - Tue Aug 21 15:32:39 2007 - - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. You are correct with your statement that parents with a special needs child should NOT send their child to an alternative school. Alternative schools are for those children that are at an impass and the public school system is looking for a way to put that child out of their school system. They explain it to the parents as a "way of helping their child" when in reality, it helps them...the school. The school will earn an A grade because they have less "special education" students in their school, who may not pass all the state tests...ie: FCATS. Special needs students should be placed in the public schools and have IEPs in place that met all the childs individual needs, as documented by their parents, teachers, physicians and social… [cont.]
Answered by Patti - Tue Aug 21 17:02:33 2007

What is an alternative to a credit check to rent an apartment or home?
Q. I have bills, student loans and payments on a car (car is under my dad's name). I dont think my credit is the best in the world, is there an alternative option to applying for renting an apt? For example, if they dont aprove my credit, can I pay a bigger deposit? Or can someone else sign or co-sign for me?
Asked by Potchee - Wed Apr 11 14:47:04 2007 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The landlord will want to see your credit score, regardless if you think its good or bad. If you don't want them to run the credit check (because doing the credit check itself actually hurts your FICO credit score by about 15 points), you might be able to visit annualcreditreport.com and print off your report and show it to them. You can't however get your FICO score from that website. If you want your FICO score, contact me. I have a business relationship with Privacy Matters. The best alternative to having bad credit is a co-signer. A larger deposit may help. Some landlords will allow you to rent if you pay the full amount of the lease upfront - but not many people can afford it.
Answered by mukwonago53149 - Wed Apr 11 14:54:08 2007

What is a good alternative exercise to weight training and running?
Q. I'm a 44 year old man and I work out regularly at a gym about 5 days/week. My routine consists of weight training followed by running on a treadmill. I feel like my training has hit a plateau over the last 2 months. What is a good alternative to weight training and running that might help to shake things up and shock my body out of this plateau state?
Asked by Bman31164 - Fri May 2 08:01:38 2008 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Swimming freestyle is excellent - great cardio workout and really good for your back. Cycling is fantastic for your cardio fitness and leg endurance. Try yoga to improve your flexibility, which could help your weights and running to be more comfortable. Does your gym offer circuit classes? These are a mix of cardio, muscle endurance and strength exercises, and can be loads of fun if you get a good instructor. Boxing gets your heart rate right up, and works in your strength in a different way from weights, Have you tried interval training when you run? INstead of running the whole time at a steady pace, alternate fast and slow. You'll get a more intense workout in less time this way. How long has it been since you've changed your… [cont.]
Answered by Vanessa E - Fri May 2 08:19:46 2008