Date of Award
8-23-1991
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. David Flight
Abstract
This report describes a program designed to reduce tia high percentage of students dropping out of school! in Grades 9 through 12 in the New Britain Public Schools. A review of the dropout rate at New Britain Senior High School, as compared with high schools in other towns of comparable size and student population, indicated a need to develop a program that would address that need and ultimately reduce the 13.9% dropout rate experienced before January 1990. Based on the profile of the identified at-risk students, a flexible program was developed that would allow students who had dropped ou: of school, or who expressed a desire to drop out of school, an alternative that would provide them the opportunity to complete high school in a nontraditional manner. The academic component was provided by certified teachers who served as tutors. Learning packets were used to allow the students to progress at their own rate. An alternative school was developed at no cost to the Board of Education through grant funds provided by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Design input was provided by the community, members of the Board of Education, high school teachers, and administrators. Student needs and abilities were identified and individualized plans were designed to meet them. As a result of practicum intervention, the dropout rate at New Britain Senior High School was reduced to 13.3% to 9.60%.