The Effects of a Twilight School Program to Reduce the Number of Out-Of-School Suspensions and Improve Attendance and Achievement

This book was designed to provide school districts with an alternative to school suspension of students with behavioral problems. Research has shown that schools have not implemented a plan to deal with difficult students. Often the only recourse is out-of-school suspension. This intervention focused on a Twilight School Program (TSP). The TSP assisted students who present behavioral problems during the school day program. The school administration, teachers, and parents worked together to involve students in the evening school program. The students attended school in the evening and had to meet the necessary requirements that would have been offered during the regular school day. This program was instrumental in assisting students with attendance problems. Students were recommended for placement in the TSP by the administration. Parents were sent notification letters, and they met with the administrative staff. This was an option from placing the student on out-of-school suspension. The TSP was composed of a staff of teachers, an attendance monitor, a guidance counselor, and a coordinator. Students received individual academic guidance from the school counselor. An analysis of the data showed that students who participated in the TSP had an increase in attendance and academic achievement. This intervention was used during the author's tenure as principal of an urban high school. All facts in the book are true and researched.