NCJ Number
149409
Journal
Equity and Excellence Volume: 25 Issue: 2-4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 49- 52
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines outcomes associated with the enactment of Colorado's Second Chance Pilot Program for school dropouts, which is designed to reduce the number of dropouts in the State.
Abstract
The legislation promotes the development of Second Chance Centers to attract students who left school without graduating and provide them an opportunity to complete requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Although centers throughout the State will differ in some respects, all provide for self-paced learning, and most are equipped with computerized instructional systems. Some have both day and evening classes, and several provide day-care service for students with children. Satisfaction with Second Chance Programs is apparently very high. A statewide survey of Second Chance students in 1989 (sample size 396) found that 86 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with their program. In a similar survey of Second Chance faculty (44), 93 percent of the respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied in their work at the centers. Second Chance Centers, however, do not meet the needs of all students. Over a 1- year period, approximately 635 students dropped out of the programs, usually after spending only a short time at a center. This suggests that an even broader variety of programs or program changes may be required to attract students. Needs of other students are also wanting because of limited enrollment opportunities at some centers. In October 1988 approximately 350 students were waiting to enroll in programs. Given the limited scale of existing operations, Second Chance as a strategy for significantly reducing the impact of school dropouts is limited. 9 references