NCJ Number
125810
Date Published
1988
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This master plan for Utah students at risk is intended to provide effective and appropriate education tailored to meet individual student needs.
Abstract
Utah's youth pregnancy rate, youth suicide rate, and physical and sexual abuse of children are substantial problems. According to the Utah State Office of Education, at least 25 percent of students are substantially below national norms in both reading and mathematics. It is estimated that 20,000 students between 12 and 17 years of age had severe or extreme substance abuse problems and were in need of treatment as of 1987. Many more students are at risk for substance abuse, juvenile crime, and school violence. The master plan defines a student at risk as any student who requires some kind of uniquely designed intervention in order to achieve literacy, to graduate, and to make the transition from school to postschool options. The plan provides a structure to facilitate the development of an appropriate and effective educational system for all students, including those at risk. It addresses school dropouts, literacy, desired educational and post high school outcomes, the educational system itself (services, staffing, funding, and evaluation), and recommended educational improvements. School districts have the ultimate responsibility to collaborate with families, other agencies, and the community to insure that each student receives proper education. An appendix contains additional information on school dropouts and literacy.