The ALPINE Program is part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support established to provide educational service for Severely Emotionally/Behaviorally Disordered (SEBD) students and for students with Autism.  The program provides educational services to the students, consultation services to schools, and training and support services to families.

In addition to an individualized academic curriculum the ALPINE Program utilizes a social skills curriculum called Student Achievement Model (SAM). SAM is a curriculum for teaching social skills through systematic instruction to students of all ages. It consists of a well-defined set of sixteen basic social behaviors encompassing adult relations, peer relations, school rules, and classroom behaviors. As basic skills are mastered, more complex and advanced skills are taught and practiced. SAM encourages student involvement and cooperation in classroom activities. The opportunity to earn points and purchase supplies, treats, and activities motivates students to acquire and use the social skills. Acquisition and use of age appropriate social skills in a school environment increase the probability of a student's successful transition back to her/her home school.

The ALPINE Program serves the 14 local school systems in the Pioneer RESA area.  Pioneer RESA is the fiscal agency for the program.  Funding for the Alpine Program is primarily from a state grant through the Georgia Department of Education.  Center-based classes are located in Gainesville and Lavonia.  School-based classes are located in Habersham, Union, Towns, and Forsyth Counties.

Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support - The Alpine Program

Dr. Pam Kirkpatrick
Director, Alpine GNETS Program
P.O. Box 1789
1342 Hwy. 254
Cleveland, GA 30528