Abstract037_Caballero.doc
ConferenceTrack: Outreach Programs and Activities
Language: English
Keywords: at-risk students, SED students, vocational education, training
ContactTitle:: Dr.
ContactFirstName: Amaury
ContactLastName: Caballero
University: Florida International University
Web: www.fiu.edu
Position: Lecturer
Country: USA
Email:
Fax: 305-348-6255
Submitted: Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 06:34:50 PM
Title:
Improving Severely Emotionally Disabled and At-Risk High School Students Performance through Hands-on Technological Courses
Abstract:
A significant number of high school students cannot or do not want to continue their education at a college level, but when these students finish their high school education they are not prepared to face the challenges that the modern society presents in terms of skills and preparation for obtaining a job. The situation becomes more critical when dealing with Emotionally Disabled Students (SED) and At-Risk students. Current curriculum and learning method in most high schools do not provide adequate environment for this type of student.
Universities can help to reduce the problem, organizing joint programs with secondary education schools for teaching technical questions related to the newer or more necessary industry technology. The effect of these programs can be seen from three different perspectives:
1. Students’ motivation in technological matters.
2. Providing skills to students that will help them in getting a job in the near future.
3. Increasing their self esteem and self confidence which is reflected in their general behavior, improving among other indicators, their promotion at school.
The paper describes an implemented pilot program to help these groups of students conquer these difficulties and analyzes the benefits that can be delivered to them. This program is a joint effort of Miami-Dade County Public School System and Florida International University. The outcomes of the program strongly show the merit of the endeavor. Student drop rate reduces significantly and the graduates obtain technical positions in many companies with salary commeasurable with their peers.
MailingAddress:
10555 W. Flagler St
Miami, Florida 33174
USA
Phone: 305-348-3174
Authors:
Amaury Caballero, , Florida International Univ., (P)
Kang Yen, , Florida International University
Gustavo Roig, , Florida International University