http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/9819627.htm
Susan Snyder
"Juvenile offenders who return to Philadelphia public schools through a new transitional program are prospering much better than their predecessors, who went right back into regular schools.
They are dropping out less often. Their attendance is up. They are much less likely to get in trouble again.
And those who go into smaller disciplinary schools after a 10-day transition program - rather than into larger mainstream schools - do better all the way around, including academically.
That is according to a new report by the Philadelphia School District. 'This 10 days is just giving me a chance to think about what I want to do with my life once I get into school,' said the pregnant Klubah Lakie, 19, one of 60 students in the transition program one day last week. 'I think I'm ready to change, and now I have a baby on the way.'
The school district report provides the first glimpse at the impact of a 2002 state law, known as Act 88. The law requires students who commit violent acts, possess a weapon, or possess or deal drugs to spend up to a month in a transitional program and then to attend a disciplinary school. Those who commit nonviolent offenses, such as theft, must complete the transition program, but then can return to a regular school."
