The purpose of this study was to evaluate an alternative high school that has been successful is encouraging dropouts to return to school and stay until graduation. The researchers first determined the components of the school that make it unique. The curriculum for the school is highly individualized and includes a high degree of hands-on activities.
All students go to school a half day and work at a paying or volunteer job a half day.
Class sizes are seldom over 15 students. Staff members work very hard to create a family atmosphere at the school. Daily follow-up is made on all students who are absent or tardy. An extensive extrinsic reward system is in place to promote attendance and academic achievement. An individualized process of transitioning from school to work and from high school to post-high school training is in place for each student.