This report examines some of the many varieties of alternatives now available, their problems and pitfalls, and their hopes for the future. After defining alternative schools, the report discusses the rationale for having alternatives and then summarizes the range of alternatives available at both the elementary and secondary levels. Separate…

State Compensatory Education (SCE) is a supplemental program in Texas designed to eliminate disparities in (a) student performance on assessment instruments administered under chapter 39 of the Texas Education Code (1995), and (b) the rates of high school completion between students who are at risk of dropping out of school, as defined by Texas…

This case study of a biracial student who was actually pushed out from the regular school system focuses on the student's perceived reality. The theory supporting the study is Labeling Theory, which asserts that the way in which a student is labeled is dependent on the social context of the student. The subject, a biracial 14-year-old in an…

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the seven alternative schools in the Houston (Texas) Independent School District by describing the students who were served by the programs, and by assessing the effectiveness of the programs in improving student academic performance and attendance. The following schools provide education to at-risk…

Four representative issues affecting the fields of adult, career, and vocational education are examined. These issues revolve around the following questions: (1) What career-related curriculum should be incorporated into the new basics? (2) What contributions can vocational and career education make to reducing the dropout rate? (3) How can…

Through August, 1979, approximately 63,000 low-income youths in 17 areas across the country had been enrolled in Youth Incentive Entitlement Pilot Projects that guaranteed them a part-time job during the school year and a full-time job during summer months on the condition that they remain in, or return to, a secondary school or enroll in an…

A study was conducted to determine whether the adult basic education environment improved the educational outlook of at-risk students. The research was conducted using a 25-question survey with 100 students enrolled in the Nicolet College Alternative High School program for at-risk students in northern Wisconsin, from January through December…

This report summarizes results of AISD's State Compensatory Education programs for at-risk students in 2001-2002.

The federal requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) have placed a new focus on increasing graduation rates and reducing dropout rates. While the dropout problem has generated research and new programs over the last 30 years, the dropout rate has remained relatively unchanged. Students drop out of school for many reasons, and the…

This study explores patterns of behaviors and attitudes, as well as the academic, demographic, social, and economic circumstances of students who have dropped out of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). It also examines other factors that influence dropout attitudes, aspirations, and needs after leaving school. Factors affecting…

This case study explored culturally relevant practices in an urban American Indian secondary alternative school and three students' responses to them. The most vital factor contributing to student success was culturally responsive teachers. Other factors were small school size, flexible school formats, and governance structures. Implications for…

Educational practices in tracking and ability grouping are reviewed, and it is suggested that cooperative learning strategies are effective alternatives for students who need preparation for the challenges of citizenship in the future. Research studies have given rise to many criticisms of tracking, particularly as it relates to minorities,…

The Alternative Basic Comprehension Program (Project A.B.C.) for bilingual high school students was a special alternative instructional program funded by Title VII for the third year at two high schools in the Bronx. In the year under review, Project A.B.C. served 260 students of limited English proficiency (LEP). Participating students received…

This document provides information on the Jones Center Vocational/Academic Program of the Granite School District (Utah), the purpose of which is to maintain or reintegrate students who are potential high school dropouts or dropouts into appropriate educational alternatives. Its mission statement is followed by a list of program components,…

This summary of a forum for migrant educators defines dropout issues, explores solutions and models of service, and offers recommendations to address the needs of out-of-school migrant youth. Notes from forum workshops and summary task force reports deal with dropout identification/needs assessment, dropout/enrollment/graduation data, interagency…