Alternative education and transition pathways for early school-leavers: evaluating a DECD flexible learning program for young people in regional South Australia

The evaluation of BoysTown's alternative learning program in Port Pirie, South Australia, found the service to be having an invaluable impact on young people living in the region, in relation to both tangible and intangible outcome measures. During the 12 month evaluation period (August 2011-September 2012), the program provided services to 52 young people who were either at risk or had already disengaged from mainstream education, most of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds and faced multiple and/or complex barriers to learning.

The program was found to be effective in either reengaging young people with mainstream education or transitioning young people into work, and developing their personal resilience and capabilities. This evaluation highlights the factors that are believed to have enabled the program's success. It also identifies a number of important challenges faced by those involved in delivering and funding the program.

Excerpts from publication. Show less