NCJ Number
65132
Date Published
1980
Length
127 pages
Annotation
AN OFFICE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION (OJJDP) PROGRAM AIMS TO PREVENT DELINQUENCY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECTS DESIGNED TO KEEP STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM, ONCE IMPLEMENTED, SHOULD PREVENT UNWARRANTED AND ARBITRARY SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS, DROPOUTS, PUSHOUTS, AND TRUANCY, AND PREPARE STUDENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OR SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPATION IN POSTSECONDARY TRAINING OR EDUCATION. THIS IS TO BE ACHIEVED BY UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF EXISTING ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND BY IMPROVING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, STAFF TRAINING, YOUTH AND PARENT PARTICIPATION, AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THE PROGRAM TARGETS ARE SCHOOLS WITH YOUTH IN GRADES 6 THROUGH 12 IN COMMUNITIES WITH HIGH RATES OF CRIME, DELINQUENCY, DROPOUTS, AND YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT. APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR ACTION PROJECTS WHICH INFLUENCE THE SCHOOL CLIMATE, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, AND EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED WHICH INCREASE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE, AND PRACTICAL LEARNING. DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ARE INCLUDED. AMONG THE APPENDIXES IS A BACKGROUND PAPER ON THE PREVENTION OF DELINQUENCY THROUGH ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION THAT DISCUSSES THE SCHOOL AS A SOURCE OF ACADEMIC FAILURE, DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR, AND DELINQUENCY, AND WHICH ANALYZES ALTERNATIVES. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SCHOOL SITUATION INCLUDE INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION WITH A CONTINGENT REWARD SYSTEM, A SMALL STUDENT POPULATION, A LOW STUDENT-ADULT RATIO, CARING AND COMPETENT TEACHERS, AND STUDENT AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL DECISIONMAKING. SUPPLEMENTAL SOCIAL SERVICES, VOCATIONAL ORIENTATION, AND PEER COUNSELING ARE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. STUDENT SELECTION, PROGRAM, AND EVALUATION EXAMPLES ARE GIVEN. IN ADDITION, THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING: ADDRESSES OF STATE PLANNING AGENCIES; A DIRECTORY OF STATE CLEARINGHOUSES; COMMENTS RECEIVED REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF DELINQUENCY THROUGH ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION INITIATIVE AND LEAA'S RESPONSE; FEDERAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION FORM 424; PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS; SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR NONCONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATIONS; AND INTENT TO SUBMIT APPLICATION.