PACE Program
Positive Attitude and Commitment to Education
The Mahoning County Educational Service Center (MCESC) offers an alternative education program for students in grades 5-12 at Mahoning County's PACE Program (Positive Attitude and Commitment to Education). This program offers services to students who are 'at risk' of academic failure due a variety of factors including, but not limited to: poor attendance, academic failure which has not been able to be remedied through traditional education, disenfranchised learners needing a non-traditional approach to instruction, multiple suspensions, potential expulsions, etc.
Students continue to work within the general curriculum using Ohio's Academic Content Standards at their grade level implementing differentiated instructional methods that allow for more individualized attention.
In addition, students may have a special education identification, and continue to receive services as outlined in their IEP's. Those services would then be delivered in a more restrictive setting including small group and participation in a positive behavior support system.
In order to be eligible, a student must be recommended by their superintendent or high school principal at district discretion. An intake meeting is scheduled with PACE administration to share information and determine a starting date. Students are expected to remain in the alternative program for a minimum of 90 days, with a return to their home school based upon academic and behavioral progress.
Transportation services are provided by each students' home district.