The Consumers' Perspective: At-Risk Youth Talk about Programs.

Institution	Public/Private Ventures, Philadelphia, PA.
Titel	The Consumers' Perspective: At-Risk Youth Talk about Programs.
Quelle	(1989), (17 Seiten)Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Dropout Attitudes; Dropout Prevention; Dropout Programs; Dropouts; High Risk Students; Motivation; Persistence; Personal Narratives; Remedial Programs; School Holding Power; Secondary Education; Youth Programs + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Drop-out; Drop-outs; Dropout; Early leavers; Schulversagen; Problemschüler; psychologische; Motivation (psychologisch); Ausdauer; Erlebniserzählung; Förderprogramm; Sekundarbereich; Jugendsofortprogramm
Abstract	This document summarizes the findings of a study of the reasons why some at-risk youth persist in special programs while others drop out. Information was gathered from 16 focus group sessions comprised of both "persisters" and "leavers" from in-school remedial programs and out-of-school youth service corps. The findings, presented in the youths' own words, are as follows: (1) complaints about programs were similar for both groups and included tedium, unmet expectations, and problems with staff or peers; (2) persisters decided to stay on the basis of social bonds, parental influence, staff influence, personal determination, future expectations, and satisfaction with the program; (3) leavers found some positive aspects to their programs and gave clear messages to program staff that they were considering dropping out; and (4) leavers decided to drop out based on extrinsic and program-related reasons. Recommendations for practitioners include the following: (1) incentives and counseling are needed during the initial phase of a program when youth are most vulnerable to attrition; (2) monetary rewards and positive learning experiences were most frequently cited as incentives; (3) a relationship with a teacher or supervisor, or the team spirit in a class or group, was most frequently cited as the most positive aspect of participation; (4) complaints should be regarded as opportunities for staff intervention; and (5) leavers may play a positive role for those who persist. (FMW)
Anmerkungen	Public/Private Ventures, Communications Department, 399 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC