ERIC Number: ED367097
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991-Aug
Pages: 82
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Report on Special Populations. Alternate Schools Area Learning Centers. Connections/Detention Centers. Residential Treatment Centers. Minnesota Student Survey, 1991.
Minnesota State Dept. of Education, St. Paul.
This report presents findings of a 1991 survey of 3,573 adolescents in Area Learning Centers and Alternative Schools, in Corrections and Detention Centers, and in Residential Treatment Centers in Minnesota. The study focused on six environmental stressors: family alcohol problems, family drug problems, experiencing or witnessing physical abuse, and intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual abuse. The survey found that students in these programs were three to six times more likely than regular students to report at least three of these problems. A history of physical or sexual abuse doubled the likelihood of deliberate self-injury or suicide attempt, especially for females. Additionally, all groups were characterized by more frequent involvement in high risk behaviors (e.g., substance abuse). An encouraging finding was the relative success of the Alternative Schools and Area Learning Centers in engaging youth who had dropped out of school or were at risk for dropping out. Findings lend support to the existence of a general "at risk" syndrome, with implications for prevention and intervention. Two recommendations resulted: first, that adequate resources be provided to educational programs for this population, and second, that prevention programs include counseling, health services, and other support activities. Tables, graphs, and narrative provide the details of the survey findings for each type of program and compare findings with the 1989 survey of 91,175 adolescents in the state. (Contains 11 references.) (DB)
Descriptors: Adolescents, Alcohol Abuse, At Risk Persons, Behavior Disorders, Correctional Education, Delinquency, Delinquency Prevention, Disadvantaged Youth, Educational Needs, Environmental Influences, Family Problems, Family Violence, Pregnancy, Program Effectiveness, Residential Programs, Secondary Education, Secondary School Students, Special Schools, State Surveys, Stress Variables, Student Characteristics, Substance Abuse
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Minnesota State Dept. of Education, St. Paul.
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A