At-Risk Students In The Central Region Of The U.S.: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis of Existing Research

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather existing information Surrounding some of the leading characteristics that identify at-risk youth. It also determined locations in the central region of the United Sates they can be found. Research questions included a discussion on families, school districts, and communities as well as specific characteristics that place students at-risk of not successfully completing school. The paper was also used to offer some suggestions discovered through the research that could be implemented to combat the problem. Poverty is still the number one reason for the at-risk situation in the U.S. followed closely by family background, student characteristics, school related background, culture and communities. Social as well as academic development in a child's life is critical. These support structures are extremely important to the overall success or failure a child. Information presented here was only a small portion of at-risk puzzle. The paper did not seek to look at all of the at-risk indicators or seek to solve all of the problems of at-risk students. Recommendations include school systems which should develop assessment programs that allow for identification of potential at-risk children, leadership at all levels to provide direction and support in helping school systems conduct longitudinal studies of at-risk students, programs which are designed to develop strategies that help meet the needs of at-risk students, teacher and administration education programs in colleges and universities which address issues in working with at-risk student populations, and school systems should begin to develop collaborative partnerships with parents, higher education, communities, government, business and industry. A concerted effort on the part of the school system to establish and maintain relationships with these entities will be an essential part of developing better educational opportunities of the future. Accountability measures must be in place to assess the effectiveness of all work with at-risk students. In the years ahead the challenges with become greater. This research was however, designed as a starting point to not only shed light on some of the main problems of at-risk students in the central region of the U. S. but to also establish some directional indicators for the future.