NCJ Number
192941
Journal
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Review and CCI News Volume: 10 Issue: 1-2 Dated: First /Second Quarter 2001 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the results of a pilot project conducted in a high school in Billings, MT, to provide a cognitive behavioral program for adolescents at risk who would otherwise be suspended or drop out of school.
Abstract
The program aimed to address the dropout rate of almost 10 percent; a repetitive cycle of truancy and school behavior problems; and the presence of certain students with aggressive and intimidating behavior, poor academic performance, and alcohol and drug problems. The Behavioral Management Program offered Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) during a 3-semester pilot phase that began in the winter of 2000. MRT classes took place 5 days per week and students received 1 semester hour of credit for participation. Grading focused on attendance, participation, refraining from distracting behavior, and step completion. Eighty-three students took part. Fifty successfully completed the MRT requirements and were retrained in school. The school’s dropout rate declined from 10 percent to 3 percent, partly due to the program. School administrators also noted an overall favorable change in the atmosphere at the school. Students, teachers, and administrators assessed the program positively. In addition, the program more than paid for itself through revenues that would have been lost if the youths had been suspended or become dropouts. The administrators concluded that MRT should be a 1-to-2 semester course and that it needs certain program adaptations to fit the format of 57-minute sessions 5 days a week. Table and 5 references