This work analyzes the current state of the adult student experience in higher education, exploring the organizational, instructional, and interpersonal barriers that adults face in reaching their educational goals.

This is a guide for teachers entering or continuing in the specific realm of adult education of students who are at-risk due to their criminal backgrounds, substance abuse issues or undiagnosed learning disabilities. The book provides readers with an overview of the teaching challenges for this population of students, presents research on their unique challenges as learners, and provides teachers with evidence-based practices to enhance the success of this adult learner population.

Improve student outcomes with a new approach to relationships and networks Relationships matter. Who You Know explores this simple idea to give teachers and school administrators a fresh perspective on how to break the pattern of inequality in American classrooms. It reveals how schools can invest in the power of relationships to increase social mobility for their students. Discussions about inequality often focus on achievement gaps. But opportunity is about more than just test scores. Opportunity gaps are a function of not just what students know, but who they know. This book explores the central role that relationships play in young people’s lives, and provides guidance for a path forward. Schools can: Integrate student support models that increase access to caring adults in students’ lives Invest in learning models that strengthen teacher-student relationships Deploy emerging technologies that expand students’ networks to experts and mentors from around world Exploring the latest tools, data, and real-world examples, this book provides evidence-based guidance for educators looking to level the playing field and expert analysis on how policymakers and entrepreneurs can help. Networks need no longer be limited by geography or circumstance. By making room for relationships, K-12 schools can transform themselves into hubs of next-generation learning and connecting. Who You Know explains how.

This report examines heterogeneity in young adult outcomes among students at risk for school failure due to low socioeconomic status (SES). It addresses the question: "Among students at risk due to status characteristics, what are the relationships of high school engagement and attainments with post-high school outcomes?" Two sets of outcomes are considered: entry and persistence in postsecondary education, and employment and income as a young adult. The report distinguishes between "status risk factors" such as SES and race/ethnicity and two other sets of risk factors: behavioral risk factors and academic risk factors. Behavioral risk factors are behaviors and attitudes closely related to learning, for example, attendance, paying attention to the teacher, completing coursework, and developing a sense that schooling is important to future life successes. These behaviors and attitudes are referred to as school engagement. "Disengagement" (e.g., not attending class, not completing assignments) can create severe impediments to learning. Appended are: (1) Technical Notes; (2) Standard Errors Tables; (3) Other Statistical Tables; and (4) Variables Used in This Report. (Contains 148 endnotes and 19 tables.).

Long overdue is a single book covering all the bases for those worried about our younger population that is at-risk. This book is or all concerned educators - whether in public schools, alternative schools, detention centers, adjudicated homebound students, youth centers, or even Sunday School teachers - and for parents who wonder about their children's behavior and their impact in making things better at home as well as in school. - 3 essential means of convincing influencers about this critical issue- The actual cost of NOT doing something about potential dropouts- Why dropout prevention CREATES money- 3 convincing true stories that move people to action- A dynamic definition of at-risk that changes everything- A clear picture of the war we are in to save our youth at-risk- A different Starfish Story- A clear understanding of what "a healthy family" means- The long-term effects of abuse and neglect that show up in your adult spouse, friends, family, and co-workers- Who are the Shadow Children? Are you still one?- The 8 behavioral areas of concern in Shadow Children- Why Shadow Children act the way they do in an educational setting- Prevention and intervention guidelines- A list of what NOT to do and who NOT to hire- The first thorough nomenclature of abuse and neglect for educators and parents- 3 educational program models that are proven to work- How you can become an Angel-Warrior Educator as a teacher or a parent- Guidelines for starting a life-saving Secret Angel Club- And much more...