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A Peer-Led High School Transition Program Increases Graduation Rates among Latino Males

NCJ Number
253673
Journal
The Journal of Educational Research Volume: 107 Issue: 3 Dated: 2014 Pages: 186-196
Date Published
2014
Length
11 pages
Annotation

This study examined the impact of a manualized high school transition program, the Peer Group Connection (PGC) program, on the graduation rate at a Mid-Atlantic high school located in a low-income district.

Abstract

The program used 12th-grade student peer leaders to create a supportive environment for incoming 9th-grade students. Results of a randomized control trial demonstrated that male students who participated in the program during 9th grade were significantly more likely to graduate from high school within 4 years than male students in the control group (81 percent versus 63 percent). Findings suggest that peers can be effective in delivering a school-based, social emotional learning intervention and that it is possible to intervene in the 9th grade to influence the probability of high school graduation. (publisher abstract modified)

Date Published: January 1, 2014