This study investigated the past special education programs and services provided to children and youth who later became incarcerated. Participants in this study were inmates from a medium security state correctional facility in the southwest region of the United States. All inmates involved in this study were identified as having a disability and…

Since 1999, the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) has provided funding to provincial school authorities for projects designed to improve student learning and performance. Conducted in three-year cycles, this unique approach has successfully helped to initiate approximately 1,600 grassroots projects led by school districts, teachers,…

Addressing educational change through systems design allows disciplined inquiry into the complex and emerging social structures of this dynamic system. One such method, narrative story, provides a way to examine the historical and current-lived practice of those engaged in the educational system. As a design conversation, it encourages the…

The alternative education program remains a viable response for engaging students who would otherwise be dropouts. Raywid (1994) synthesized and advanced an alternative school typology describing organizational characteristics with related effectiveness that appeared useful for considering and improving program practices. A Unique opportunity…

Explores the need to restore social and relational aspects to education for youth at risk. Anti-youth mass media discourses present negative images of pregnant and parenting teens. Labeled at risk, they are set up for academic and social failure. Describes an alternative public school serving the educational and social support needs of pregnant…

Focus groups with typical high school students, alternative school and high school students at risk for failure, and alternative and high school teachers of at-risk students examined their perceptions of school goals for such students, barriers to reaching those goals, and accommodations available to help students. Discusses the thematic…

Describes a partnership between university education faculty and an urban public alternative high school. University faculty worked closely with teachers and students to increase students' chances of graduating. The research-based program was based on effective schools research and instructional best practices. The program resulted in real…

Addressed the internal consistency coefficients of scores on self-concept and other composites in different risk groups and the relationship between self-concept variables and variables measuring behavioral and psychological functioning. Scores from at-risk high school graduates and dropouts and not-at-risk students indicated that the reliability…

Examined the nature of culture change that occurred at an alternative continuation high school for at-risk students (n=116) and changes in student attitudes over 2 years. Quantitative and qualitative data show the effectiveness of the school's Team Learning Projects model and the school's restructuring program. (SLD)

Using survey and interview data from 78 junior high and high school students in an alternative school, studies the ways school structures affect the experience of at-risk students. Seven dilemmas attributable to familiar school structures are examined, and implications for restructuring schools are discussed. (SLD)

Evaluated two computer-assisted instructional programs designed to help students at risk earn credits for high school graduation and preparation for postsecondary education. Findings from two courses in an alternative high school illustrate research-based classroom features associated with a collaborative environment of state, district, and…

This chart describes high school completion rates for the United States for 18- through 24-year olds not currently enrolled in high school or lower grades. The 85.3% completion rate represented 77.9% of students with a diploma and 7.4% with an alternative completion. Completion rates are given by gender, race/ethnicity, family income, and…

Results of a national survey completed by principals of 101 schools provide a comprehensive analysis of current trends in transition programs for adjudicated youth with disabilities in alternative school settings, effectiveness of transition program components, and obstacles to successful transitions. Although progress is being constrained by…

Examines Colorado's Second Chance Pilot Program for Dropouts, designed to reduce the number of dropouts through Second Chance Centers giving students the opportunity to complete requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Although limited in success, the program provides a model for the funding of alternative schools. (SLD)