| This study was designed as a follow-up investigation of the effect of a program for at-risk students delivered in the Jones County School System in Georgia. The Fresh-Start Program was implemented at Califf Middle School beginning in the 1993--94 school year.;The Fresh-Start group consisted of 20 students who were identified as being at-risk of not graduating from high school. The control group consisted of 26 at-risk students who were in the traditional classes during the 1993--94 school year. Variables examined included: (1) 9th grade retentions, (2) dropping out, (3) scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, (4) high school credits earned, and (5) graduating.;The Test of Proportionality was used to compare the number of students being retained in the 9th grade, the number of students dropping out of school before graduating, and the number of students graduating. The t test was performed to compare the number of high school credits earned.;The results indicated that there was a significant difference in the Fresh-Start group and the control group in the following areas: (1) Fewer students in the Fresh-Start group were retained in the 9th grade, (2) fewer students in the Fresh-Start group dropped out before graduating, (3) more high school credits earned by the Fresh-Start students, and (4) more students from the Fresh-Start group graduated. The data indicated that the Fresh-Start Program had a positive influence on at-risk students. |
