Last Chance High School is the incredible story of a caring and innovative principal and his staff who found ways to dramatically change the lives of behaviorally challenged teens. It describes the first two years of the successful transformation of an inner city special education school in New York City. From birth, many students in this school had been denied opportunities and had been given nothing to look forward to. General education schools could not find ways to cope with them. For most of these throwaway teens, Last Chance High was their only chance. At the end of two years, fights were drastically reduced, and vastly improved social skills were exhibited. It was the first time that students were given opportunities to return to general education schools and to earn high school diplomas. Many went on to enjoy happy, productive lives. The philosophy that drove this successful transformation emphasized that all humans, including troubled teens, have the same basic and genetic needs to succeed, to have options and choices, to belong and be loved, and to have fun and not be bored. When these needs are met, the philosophy explains, there is no need to misbehave. Furthermore, schools have the the capacity and responsibility to create social and academic cultures where these fundamental needs can be met. Schools have the power to make a difference in their students' lives and help them overcome histories of failure. The following fundamental principles were the driving force behind the successful transformation: 1. The use of punishments is not effective as a tool to change someone's behavior. The reality is that punishment and coercion cause youngsters to resist and even shut down. 2. Internal motivation is the secret to long range change. Teachers should not perceive their roles as change agents but, rather, as facilitators that help those who want to change. 3. Kids are not widgets on an assembly line waiting to pass tests. They are complex individuals with unique personalities, strengths and needs who desperately need to be surrounded by caring adults. The book shares success stories that translate this philosophy to practice. For example, how did a publishing center motivate students to improve their writing skills? How did students pass exit exams when their absence rate was so high? How did the dreaded pop quizzes become a welcome instructional approach? How did students meet the dissection requirement in biology without using scalpels? Last Chance High School is not a textbook, although thought-provoking concepts are presented throughout. It describes a journey packed with true stories of how students and adults worked together to turn a school around.
About the Author: Harold Golubtchik, Ed.D, is a life long educator who has taught general and special education students in urban schools and served as a principal of elementary and high schools. He is presently an associate professor at Brooklyn College in the Educational Leadership Department.