One Student at a Time: How Two Charter Schools Combat the School-to-Prison Pipeline

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: School Climate Case Studies in Diverse Contexts

Abstract

This study explores how two charter schools are serving young adults who are in danger of experiencing the school-to-prison pipeline. Students at these schools faced significant setbacks in traditional settings (e.g., truancy, poor grades, suspension, expulsion, incarceration). At each charter school, the free and reduced lunch population exceeds 90%; over half of the students have experienced homelessness; 30% are diagnosed with special needs. Results from the study show how these two schools utilize innovative programming, carefully selected staff, wrap-around services, a family-like atmosphere, and a flexible learning environment. They practice an overarching philosophy of pedagogical and institutional plasticity, an approach that is helping students to stay in school and find a sense of purpose and direction.

Authors

• Letitia Basford, Hamline University

• Joseph D. Lewis, Hamline University