Improving educational performance of at-risk youth

This paper attempts to interpret the educational problems experienced by at-risk students, demonstrate the outcome of initiatives designed to redress the disadvantage, and, by conceptualising the problems in terms of action by individuals, schools and systems, identify key lessons for policy and practice to improve the educational performance of at-risk students. The paper defines at-risk students as those at serious risk of educational failure and unlikely to succeed in the transition from school to work. The authors discuss several factors associated with educational failure, including individual causes such as lack of intellectual ability, family and school factors, characteristics inherent in education systems, and employment opportunities. Previous attempts to protect at-risk youth from the effects of educational failure are identified and described under three categories. These are specific programs in individual schools, focused intervention programs, and system reform. However, evaluative evidence has shown none of these to be as effective as planned. The authors conclude with an outline of eight key lessons for future policy development and practice.

The volume of collected papers is indexed at TD/IRD 88.133. Show less