Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to examine the various approaches taken within seven nontraditional high school programs provided in one school system. This program evaluation was focused on instructional approaches, behavioral approaches, and school culture approaches. Additionally, this program evaluation explored teacher and administrator perceptions regarding program effectiveness and educational outcomes for students in these programs. Results revealed that characteristics of nontraditional high school programs vary greatly depending the purpose or mission of each program. Some elements were found to be common across programs, but no two nontraditional programs were characterized as the same. Educational outcomes for students enrolled in each program were identified. The findings suggest that some nontraditional high school programs in the investigated school system are more successful than others. However, it is unreasonable to have the same expected outcomes for students enrolled in the various nontraditional programs since placement criteria is distinctly different depending on program approach. Results also revealed that teachers and supervisors perceived their program to be effectively meeting the needs of their students.
