Questionnaires were received from a random sample of 77 Freshman students across the district who were identified as having failed one or more of their courses during the first semester/quarter of the 1997-98 school year. The students were asked to respond to a series of questions pertaining to their school and home life. In addition, the students were interviewed and asked to elaborate on some of their responses.

Appendix A presents the results of the questionnaire. Overall, the results indicated that most of the students (83.1%) know where to seek help, and would go to a teacher, counselor, parent(s), mentor or tutor for help. When students were asked what they would have to do differently to receive a passing grade in class most responded, "do my work/homework", "stop being lazy", "work harder" and "get a new teacher". The top 3 things the students indicated they like about school are: 1) hanging out with friends (83.1%), 2) some classes (45.5%) and 3) sports (42.9%). The top 3 things they dislike about school are: 1) homework (81.8%), 2) some teachers (62.3%) and 3) some classes (61.0%).

The differences in responses among the four ethnic groups (White, African-American, Hispanic and Native-American) were minimal. For instance, in response to the question "Do your teachers treat you fairly?" 51.4% (N=19) of the White students responded "some" while 43.8%(N=14) of the Hispanic students responded "some". 60.0% (N=3) of the African American students and 50.0% (N=1) of the Native American students responded similarly.

Appendix B provides a copy of the student questionnaire and interview distributed to the students during the Spring of 1998.