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Alternative Education

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

 
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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