At-risk Youth: Uncovering Their Diversity (From Reducing the Risk: Schools as Communities of Support, P 48-74, Gary G Wehlage et al, -- See NCJ-124151)

• NCJ Number: 124154
• Author(s): G G Wehlage; R A Rutter; G A Smith; N Lesko; R R Fernandez
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 27 pages
• Sale Source: Taylor & Francis Inc.
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Information from students attending 14 secondary school programs for at-risk youth formed the basis of an analysis of the characteristics of students at risk of dropping out of school.

Abstract

The number of students at each program ranged from 28 to 579. The analysis focused on socioeconomic status, academic performance, family situation, employment, and sociocultural characteristics such as mobility, pregnancy or parenthood, drug abuse, delinquency, truancy, and social problems. Findings showed that these students do not fit common stereotypes. Instead, they are a diverse group, and complex reasons and experiences result in their disengagement from the process of schooling. Results showed the need for educators to understand that students at risk of dropping out are not necessarily those with the least intellectual ability. Thus, schools should discard some of the categories that too easily classify students' symptoms and problems. Such an approach is an essential first step in the formation of educational interventions to improve achievement and retention. Tables and notes.