| Continuation high schools (CHSs) are a form of alternative education in many school districts. Students attend CHSs instead of attending a comprehensive high school for a number of reasons such as the following: falling behind in coursework, lacking credits for graduation, failing classes, behavior or discipline problems, repeated suspensions, teen parenthood, prior or possible incarceration, and/or other issues. All students that fall under these categories are considered at-risk. There are limited studies on CHSs or their students, therefore, this author created a survey and conducted interviews with past CHS students who attended Ruben Salazar High School (RSHS), a CHS in Pico Rivera, California. RSHS serves a predominantly low income, Latino population similar to other urban California CHSs. The study set out to reveal the student experience while attending a CHS. The author was particularly focused on issues students faced, and/or the motivational factors that facilitated completing high school, and/or the successes they attained in vocational or academic schools after leaving a CHS. The survey revealed a number of student issues, as well as what "success" after high school meant to them. For some, success meant going on to vocational training or another form of higher education. For others, it was raising a family, or finding work.; The survey was analyzed employing statistical (quantitative) methods, and the interviews were assessed employing qualitative methods for narrative inquiry. After an analysis of the interview and survey, data is given, and a discussion follows reporting the most important things students felt helped or encouraged them while they attended RSHS. No prior studies employing interviews or surveys have been conducted with past CHS students; therefore, the findings of this study are foundational to this area of alternative education. Results reveal that teacher interaction, availability, and understanding, coupled with small class sizes, ability to make up missing credits, and flexible schedules made attending a CHS a positive experience. The same factors helped students attain educational goals as well as prepare them for future vocational or academic pursuits. Recommendations for RSHS, ERUSD, and the teachers of RSHS are included. Recommendations for future research are also presented. |
