Do students who graduate from alternative schools continue their education?

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Schools for at-risk students focus on not only the social behavior of students but academic growth as well. However, alternative schools are often a last resort for students who do not fit into the "normal" routine of high school. The main focus of this study is to determine whether the students who graduate from alternative schools continue their further education or not.

The purpose of the study was to compare the performance on state-mandated testing in Texas between conventional alternative education campuses utilizing teacher-directed instruction and alternative education campuses utilizing self-directed learning strategies. This study examined the creation of the alternative education accountability system and alternative education campuses as responses to the growing at-risk problem. The history and the purpose for which these were created were studied to develop an understanding of this system.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

Introduction6

Statement of the Problem9

Purpose of the Study9

Research Questions10

Theoretical Framework11

Definition of Terms12

Limitations13

Significance of the Study14

Literature Review15

History of Alternative Education15

Definition of Alternative Education Programs18

Significance of Location of Alternative Schools19

Alternative Education and Schools21

Effective Strategies23

Future Trends in Alternative Education24

Methodology25

Research Design and Data Collection Procedures25

Selection of Participants27

Data Analysis28

REFERENCES29

Do students who graduate from alternative schools continue their education?

Introduction

Alternative education is defined as any education outside of the walls of a traditional K -12 education school (US Department of Education, 2007). Alternative schools for at-risk students are popping up all around the country. From violence to low academic achievement on state standardized tests, a larger number of students are being labeled at-risk than ever before. The ability of educators to meet the needs of students is crucial to the health and progress of a society, as well as the potential for success of individuals later in life.

Studies continue to produce evidence of the advantages of a high school education as opposed to an adult life without a degree. Murrell (1994) maintains that even though a degree may not always be a guarantee for success, if a person does not possess a high school education, the chances for socio-economical failure and struggles are greatly increased. The degree is a prerequisite to career progression, credibility and respect within most communities, and the first step in seeking effective and productive work.

Evidence shows that those with a minimum of a high school education will fare better in the society. The US Department of Labor, in 2003, reported that high school dropouts are 72% more likely to be unemployed compared to high school graduates. In other words, the degree offers a young adult a 72% better ...