About Alternative Education

Factors that Place Students At Risk

There are many factors that may place students at risk - including school, student, community, and family related factors. The following list was adapted from the publication by SE Wells (1990) At Risk Youth: Identification, Programs, and Recommendations.

Student Related:

Attendance/truancy
Behavior/discipline problems
Pregnancy/parenting
Drug Abuse
Poor peer relationships
Suspension/expulsion
Friends have dropped out
Illness/disability

Family Related:

Low socioeconomic status
Dysfunctional home life
Low parental involvement
Low parental expectations
Non-English speaking home
Domestic violence

School Related:

Conflict between home and school culture
Ineffective discipline system
Lack of adequate counseling
Negative school climate
Lack of relevant curriculum
Passive instructional strategies
Inappropriate use of technology
Disregard of student learning styles
Suspension/expulsion
Low expectations
Lack of language instruction

Community Related:

Lack of community support services
Lack of community support for schools
High incidence of criminal activity
Lack of school/community linkage
High mobility / homelessness

Last Updated: March 26, 2018