Behavior-Focused Alternative Schools: Impact on Student Outcome

• In Event: 31.085 - Bullying and Challenging Behaviors Among Individuals With Disabilities

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of behavior-focused alternative schools on four different student outcome variables: a) school attendance, b) credits earned, c) office referrals, and d) suspensions. Using propensity score matching technique, we examined the outcomes of students attending behavior-focused alternative schools compared to a matched sample of students attending traditional schools. Findings indicate that students attending behavior-focused alternative schools have significantly lower school attendance and earn less credit than students in the matched sample. Additionally, students attending behavior-focused alternative schools have significantly less office referrals and suspensions than those in the matched sample. Implications for policy, practice, and further research are discussed.
Keywords: Alternative education, alternative schools, emotional or behavioral disability, special education, student outcomes

Authors

• Kimber L. Wilkerson, University of Wisconsin

• Kemal Afacan, Artvin Coruh University

• Aaron Perzigian, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Min-Chi Yan, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Maxwell Courtright, University of Wisconsin - Madison