Innovative Pathways from School: The Case Studies. Phase 1 Report 2002.

This report documents the Innovative Pathways study of nonconventional year 12 and 13 programs at 7 schools, considered successful in assisting "at risk" students in their transition from school to the work force or further education and training. Elements of good practice are documented that contributed to and assisted students' decisions regarding transition. These programs gave extra support to students by providing courses tailored to individual interests that were also linked to their career interests, opportunities for students to choose from optional content areas, a focus on the whole student and their personal development and career plans, and partnerships with employers, tertiary trainers, and tertiary institutes. All programs had an emphasis on students gaining qualifications, becoming work-ready, making links to tertiary study, and developing personally. Students viewed the courses as practical, relevant, fun, motivating, and achievable. This information highlights the important role that schools have to play in providing options and information to students, the importance of school-parent communication, and the importance of the range of partnerships that schools have developed. Six appendices contain a student introductory letter and consent form, and student, parent, program-leader, program-teacher, and nonschool-provider interviews. (Contains 56 references, 27 tables, and 2 figures.) (RT)