PDF Last Chance High school

Schools have the the capacity and responsibility to create social and academic cultures where these fundamental needs can be met Schools have the power to make a difference in their students lives and help them overcome histories of failure The following fundamental principles were the driving force behind the successful 1 The use of punishments is not effective as a tool to change someone s behavior The reality is that punishment and coercion cause youngsters to resist and even shut down 2 Internal motivation is the secret to long range change Teachers should not perceive their roles as change agents but.

Last Chance High School is the incredible story of a caring and innovative principal and his staff who found ways to dramatically change the lives of behaviorally challenged teens It describes the first two years of the successful transformation of an inner city special education school in New York City From birth many students in this school had been denied opportunities and had been given nothing to look forward to General education schools could not find ways to cope with them For most of these throwaway teens Last Chance High was their only chance At the end of two years fights were drastically reduced and vastly improved social skills were exhibited It was the first time that students were given opportunities to return to general education schools and to earn high school diplomas Many went on to enjoy happy productive lives The philosophy that drove this successful transformation emphasized that all humans including troubled teens have the same basic and genetic needs to succeed to have options and choices to belong and be loved and to have fun and not be bored When these needs are met the philosophy explains there is no need to misbehave Further rather as facilitators that help those who want to change 3 Kids are not widgets on an assembly line waiting to pass tests They are complex individuals with unique personalities strengths and needs who desperately need to be surrounded by caring adults The book shares success stories that translate this philosophy to practice For example how did a publishing center motivate students to improve their writing skills How did students pass exit exams when their absence rate was so high How did the dreaded pop quizzes become a welcome instructional approach How did students meet the dissection requirement in biology without using scalpels Last Chance High School is not a textbook although thought provoking concepts are presented throughout It describes a journey packed with true stories of how students and adults worked together to turn a school around Last Chance High School A Principal s Crusade to Rescue Throwaway TeensA self admitted maverick crusades to help throw away kids Seriously most of this must have taken place before No Child Left Behind but at least he cared Harold Golubtchik Ed D