ERIC Number: EJ794814
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 25
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-308X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Program Evaluation and Replications of School-Based Mental Health Services and Family-Community Interventions with Chronically Disruptive Students
Carpenter-Aeby, Tracy; Aeby, Victor G.
School Community Journal, v15 n2 p37-61 Fall-Win 2005
Although outcomes for alternative schools may be mixed, it is generally agreed that counseling, therapy, group work, case management, and family-community involvement have been credited in some effective programs. This study examined program evaluations from 1994-1999 for an alternative school for chronically disruptive students (599 students, ages 9-22) that was funded by a state grant to assure safer, drug-free public schools. School-based mental health services were mandated by the grant. Annual program evaluations and positive outcomes were necessary for continued funding by the state. Psychosocial (self-esteem, depression, locus of control, and life skills) and educational outcomes (grade point averages and attendance) were examined at entry and exit. In addition, 90- and 180-day follow-ups were conducted for educational outcomes. Although educational outcomes improved during assignment to the alternative school (greater than 70% passing), in the 90- and 180-day follow-ups student grade point averages improved but were not passing. Notably, student dropout for alternative students was an average of 8% 180 days after the assignment compared to the school district's 45% dropout rate. The focus of this study was to determine whether the alternative school was a viable family-community intervention for improving social functioning and educational achievement for chronically disruptive students, whether these interventions were effective in improving school safety, and whether the program missions were consistently accomplished during the five years of implementation and one year follow-up based on the program evaluations. (Contains 5 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Health Services, Locus of Control, Nontraditional Education, Grade Point Average, School Safety, Dropout Rate, Educational Objectives, Dropouts, Mental Health Programs, Program Evaluation, Behavior Problems, Outcomes of Education, Intervention, Self Esteem, Depression (Psychology), Academic Achievement
Academic Development Institute. 121 N. Kickapoo Street, Lincoln, IL 62656. Tel: 217-732-6462; Fax: 217-732-3696; Web site: http://www.adi.org/journal
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A