A meta-analysis on the outcomes of adolescents at risk for school drop-out attending nonresidential alternative educational facilities

In this multilevel meta-analysis the outcomes of adolescents with complex problems at risk for school drop-out attending nonresidential alternative educational facilities were examined. Ten studies (87 effect sizes), examining outcomes on social-emotional functioning, academic achievement, academic attitude, externalizing and internalizing problems, were included. The findings indicated a small but significant overall effect (d = 0.15, p =.03), providing preliminary evidence that these facilities may be associated with positive outcomes for adolescents. Study quality, measurement type and reliability of the assessment instruments were significant moderators of the overall effect size. Results of this study urge for more high quality research on nonresidential alternative educational facilities, because they can contribute to positive youth outcomes, which in turn may prevent school drop-out and other negative life outcomes.