Supporting Credit Recovery Students to Find Success

Abstract

Students with a history of course failure usually have attitudes, behavior patterns or barriers that were a factor in course failure. Since these students often find completing coursework challenging, how can a high school support students who are now asked to work independently to complete challenging coursework online as part of a credit recovery program? The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify supports at-risk high school students need to finish online credit recovery courses. Teachers of the failed courses, and the adult tutors who assist student were surveyed for opinions regarding student skills, attitudes and supports for academic success as well as factors and barriers that appear to lead to student failure. All responses were compiled and focus group members examined the data, discussed responses and created recommendations. Additional structure was strongly suggested to meet the needs of students involved in the program. Recommendations were also generated toward a longer term plan to differentiate the options for students to earn additional credits in a meaningful way.