This study was conducted to provide a formative evaluation of alternative education in Florida with respect to disciplinary actions, dropouts, and funding since enactment of the Alternative Education Act of 1978. Two major goals of this Act were; a reduction in the incidence of disruptive behavior in Florida's public schools and a decrease in the number of students who drop out of school because they are unable to function in the traditional classroom setting. Although it was acknowledged that attainment of these goals could not be directly measured or attributed to specific factors, the study provided an analysis of trends in selected indicators of goal achievement. The rates of suspensions and expulsions were selected as indicators of disruptive behavior in schools. Dropout rates were also examined to determine trends since enactment of the Alternative Education Act. / Findings of this study provide an analysis of trends in dropouts, suspensions, and expulsions among all school districts in Florida from 1973-74 through 1979-80. Types of programs implemented, students served by these programs, instructional strategies used, and funding patterns prevailing in 1978-79 and 1979-80 were described. / Although it was concluded that alternative programs made no substantial differences in statewide trends in dropouts, suspensions, and expulsions, changes among districts appeared to be more favorable over the 2 years, 1978-79 and 1979-80, for districts with alternative programs compared to those without programs. No causal effects could be established because of the numerous variables which could have impacted on such changes. Amounts of funds expended showed no relationship to changes in disciplinary actions and dropouts. Total state funds generated for alternative programs were not sufficient to cover costs of these programs on a statewide basis, falling short by 21% in 1978-79 and 7% in 1979-80. / Recommendations include: modification of programs; changes in funding method; development of guidelines to provide for more accountability; and, comprehensive evaluation of Florida programs after 2 or 3 additional years of development. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-10, Section: A, page: 4238. / Thesis (Educat.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74659 |
| Contributors | PRIDGEON, MARY PAGE., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 226 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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