Cautious Hope and Chronically Failing Kids: What is the Answer?

Set in an alternative high school for recent immigrants and “second-chance kids,” ranging from 17 to 21 years in age, this case considers what measures—especially in the context of increasingly
limited school funding—can be taken to help this student population succeed… such as smaller classes, parent outreach, and/or advisory support. How do you graduate kids who would likely otherwise fail? Should we give up on them—and what are the consequences if we do?

Discussion Questions

1. Is there a close connection between emotional support and academic success?
2. Is there a close connection between parental support and academic success?
3. Is there a close connection between small classes and academic success?
4. Which proposals in which combinations might be most successful in reaching chronically failing students?
5. Is it possible to truly reach chronically failing students in high school?
6. Is it worth trying?