High School Redirection

High School Redirection was found to have mixed effects on staying in school, potentially positive effects on progressing in school, and no discernible effects on completing school.

High School Redirection is an alternative high school program for youth considered at risk of dropping out. The program emphasizes basic skills development (with a particular focus on reading skills) and offers limited extra-curricular activities. The schools operate in economically disadvantaged areas and serve students who have dropped out in the past, who are teen parents, who have poor test scores, or who are over-age for their grade. To foster a sense of community, the schools are small and teachers are encouraged to act as mentors as well as instructors.

Two studies of High School Redirection met the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence standards and one study met WWC evidence standards with reservations. The three randomized controlled trials included more than 1,600 students in Stockton, California; Wichita, Kansas; and Cincinnati, Ohio.

The WWC considers the extent of evidence for High School Redirection to be medium to large for staying in school, for progressing in school, and for completing school.