Abstract:
This study examined students considered at risk of non-completion of their
Ontario Secondary School Diploma and aimed to offer insight into the questions, "What
factors currently lead to school disconnect" and "How can these factors be addressed?"
Eight students currently enrolled in an alternative learning environment participated in
the study. Each was asked to take part in two, digitally recorded interviews that were
subsequently transcribed by the researcher. The data were then coded and analysed
according to specific themes: obstacles, empowerment, goals, views about success,
opinions of school, and power of the teacher. From these themes, three broad focus areas
emerged that were used to keep the data analysis focused: worldview, school effects, and
self-image. Variances between the data collected and ideas presented in the current
literature were highlighted as a reminder that when dealing with a human population, we
cannot rely on textbook definitions and theory alone.
