Last-Chance High School
Discipline is perceived as the top problem in U.S. high schools, according to a CBS News Class of 2000 Poll released Tuesday. About two-thirds of those polled told CBS News they favor educating teenagers with behavioral problems in separate so-called alternative schools. CBS News Correspondent Russ Mitchell reports on the oldest alternative public high school in the country, San Diego's Garfield High.
At San Diego's Garfield High School, 28 teenagers are being given a chance to turn their lives around.
Ronnie Stewart is there to help them find success. "I think a lot of them have had some experiences that are pretty negative with adults, whether it be a father who is not around or an abusive parent, or a school system that's been failing them," he says.
Most of the teenagers in this group have failed or been thrown out of regular high schools. Now, they are attending the first day of Stewart's 30-hour prep course, called "Genesis," which is required of every Garfield student before stepping into the classroom.
"I was into the stage when I was very rebellious," says Aily, who is one of the students. "I didn't want to do anything. I didn't want to go to school.
Stewart's goal is to rid students of the bad habits that keep getting them in trouble at school. He says he likes to see some effort being made to create new habits. "That's the first step, making the effort, taking the action, so that's what I am looking for," he says.
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CBS News Poll: Most see discipline as top high school issue.
Each students keeps a journal, which Stewart reads for signs of change. He sees their ability to follow instructions and articulate goals as indicators of a willingness to succeed. One student, he notes, writes, "I want to go in the Air force right after high school. I want to travel the world." Those two goals, he says, "are supporting each other." Even better, the student writes, "I also want to accomplish the art of patience."
As hard as Stewart tries, not all his students will make it. "This person still hasn't bought into the idea that, 'I can change, do something different.' I want to talk to him and let him know I want him to do something better," Stewart says.
But with some help, many will succeed."These are ones who have been discarded from other places. But we are like the Statue of Liberty. Give us those people who haven't been measuring up. We'll take them,"says Stewart.
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