MARSHALL — Alternative learning options have been in the spotlight more at Marshall Public Schools over the past year, with the district making plans to open a Career and Technical Education Center in Marshall. But there are some specific things about Marshall’s alternative learning center (MATEC) that make it distinct from other local public schools.

“There are only two programs that are specifically approved and overseen by the Minnesota Department of Education more so than at the local level,” and they are alternative schools and online schools, said MATEC Assistant Principal Amanda Pederson. “It’s unique to the state.”

At Monday’s Marshall School Board meeting, Pederson went over what being an Alternative Learning Center means. She also outlined the educational programs available through MATEC.

When the district opens the CTE Center, it won’t change MATEC’s status as an Alternative Learning Center, Pederson said. But it will expand the types of technical training MPS will be able to offer, beyond welding and nursing assistant programs.

Because alternative schools are overseen by the MDE, the state can set requirements or parameters for those programs, Pederson said. There are four types of state-approved alternative learning programs in Minnesota.

“We are an alternative learning school or center,” Pederson said. The other three types of alternative learning in Minnesota include alternative learning programs, contracted alternative schools or centers, and targeted services for grades K-8. Pederson said MPS has offered some contracted alternative learning programs — for example, MPS has worked with the Ivanhoe school district to offer some summer school programming.

MATEC’s mission as an alternative learning center is to provide viable education options for students who are having difficulty in a traditional school setting. Pederson said alternative programs could help a young person who is not on track to graduate, or students with other needs.

“It can also include areas of mental health needs, students who are parents, and there are other factors that we sometimes look at,” Pederson said.

Pederson said current enrollment at MATEC includes 50 MATEC students, 12 students in the certified nursing assistant program and six students in the welding program.

At MATEC, “We try to keep our program consistent with the high school,” Pederson said. But as an alternative learning center, MATEC also offers a year-round educational program and extended hours.

Pederson said most MATEC students opt to take part in work experience programs in addition to the extended-hours programs.

“We just had some conversations recently about maybe being more flexible in structure with that. We’re seeing a huge increase in our students wanting to work,” Pederson said.

Pederson said there are other programs in the Marshall district that are made possible through the alternative learning center. MATEC qualifies to receive funding for the after-school program at Marshall Middle School, and for summer school programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Pederson said MATEC has also been collaborating with the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative, to learn other things they could do differently to support students.