Evaluation of a Model Program for At-risk Students (From Dropouts, Pushouts, and Other Casualties, P 159-168, 1988, William T. Denton, ed. -- See NCJ-117047)

• NCJ Number: 117056
• Author(s): G G Wehlage; R A Rutter; A Turnbaugh
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A model intervention program for preventing school dropouts was evaluated using data from 10 schools in Wisconsin.

Abstract

The model program was designed to change the conditions of schooling for both students and teachers. The model involves a small program of 25 to 150 students, a high degree of structure, extensive autonomy for teachers, a design that fosters teacher collegiality, efforts to create a positive climate among the students and experiential learning and other curriculum innovations. Evaluation data were gathered using the Wisconsin Youth Survey, which gathered information on personal and social attitudes, and from data on achievement and dropping out. Analysis of responses from 137 at-risk students provided substantial support for the view that the model has important effects on the students served. Many positive effects occurred, both for the alternative school format and for the school-within-a-school format. Some programs produced significant declines, however. The most frequent positive effect was on self-esteem. Results varied considerably among the 10 programs, both in effectiveness measures and in effects on student perceptions. The programs also varied on dimensions such as teacher skill, school system commitment, and student quality. However, programs conforming to the model can be expected to have positive effects on a number of personal and social orientations. Tables and 4 references.