I don't know what kind of alternative ed you are talking about, but FAPE states that you must teach students.

Follow the law and the IEP. If you are caught, you and the district could be sued.

I do teach the students and most of my students are not special ed so there is no IEP. I never said I wasn't teaching them. I actually teach them more than just the classes assigned to me because when they refuse to go to their classes they do the work in my room and there is times I have to assist them with their work

I teach in a middle school-- Maybe it's not so much the "co-dependent" in you, but more that you are a caring, compassionate human being who like to help students going through a hard time in their life. Can you talk to the other teacher(s) and principal and ask if it's okay if they stay more with you? I am betting they can learn more "coping skills" with you than in the regular classroom. If they do the work in your class, maybe they just need some TLC at this point in their lives--You know if a student is taking advantage of you...if not, bless you for making them feel safe somewhere and where they can be themselves....Just my humble opinion.... :)

PS...I think a lot of us end up in the helping or teaching fields-- nothing wrong with it as long as we don't let others take the focus away from us or cross boundaries, right?

Le me clarify:

You may be teaching them, but they should be in their regular content classes as much as possible.

Yes, teachers and nurses are the professions that have a strong codep presence. An alternative ed setting is the "perfect storm" if you will to enable your codep issues. I bet you are being activated a lot... Maybe time to go to a different setting???

Back to your question, if you are having difficulties in deciding what to do, I'd suggest looking to see if there's a policy. If not, I'd meet with your supervisor/administrator to express your concerns. Document it all. Say you need clarification on when you are to allow them in your room and when to push them back out into the regular content class.

You need to do this for your own protection. If not, when it hits the fan, they'll hold you accountable.

I hope I don't sound too gruff, but I've got a LOT of reasons for why I say what I say.

How long have you been there, btw?

: )

Thank you both for your in sight. Free sailing I think you hit it right on the head. I think they feel safe and have TLC in my room where in the regular class they do not feel they are capable.

Administration is the one that sends them mostly to me. The students do not care about any consequence they are giving for skipping because it may lead to OSS which being out of school is their goal.

I do feel at times they are crossing the boundaries by coming to my room all the time but I guess I will just keep trying to find the ways to get them to face the classes yet know I am here when it gets too overwhelming.

DeliAnnem - Thank you at first I was taken back by your comment but when you clarified I see you where trying to help not judge me as a teacher so thank you

Well, then, if admin sends them to you, then if you do NOT support them being there, you could be viewed as being unprofessional and insubordinate, so no worries there! : )

Suggestion- if they are being sent by admin, then request a pass every time they come to you and save each and every one. Require that students sign a log book and then you can write in it what they worked on. If you are worried about FERPA, then have a different sheet for each student.

Best of luck to you.

Hugs from one educator to another!

Good idea about the passes ~ !