| This study asks how high school staff can refine practices to create welcoming school cultures that engage and maintain students at - risk to high school completion. Students are defined as at-risk for many reasons and may be marginalized throughout their school careers or briefly during a tumultuous period of their lives. Adolescence is a time of chaos and promise. Helping students realize high school completion is beneficial to the individual, school district, and society. Teachers have limited influence over student life off campus but have the ability to build empowering school cultures. Through interviews with young adults considered at---risk during high school and an Appreciative Inquiry Focus Group with teachers, I have identified four themes that contribute to school completion. The power of positive connections and the importance of being valued and acknowledged are critical factors to school success for at-risk students. There is much hope. |
