Second Chance Schools: An Exploratory Scoping Review

Abstract

Early school leaving is linked to unemployment, social exclusion, poverty and poor health. There are many reasons why some young people leave their studies and training prematurely, such as the organization of the educational system, the school climate and the relationships between teachers and students. Second Chance Schools (S2C) are an educational model designed for young people who have dropped out of the traditional educational system or have failed in it due to social, economic and/or family problems. These schools offer a second chance for them to continue and complete their education, thus improving their future academic and employment prospects. The aim of the study is to find out the impact of S2C on young people who participate in their training programmes through a systematic review. Four databases were consulted (SCOPUS, WOS, DIALNET and ERIC). A total of 145 documents were found, with the final sample being 18 manuscripts. The majority of young people attending schools are males between the ages of 15 and 24 and are culturally diverse and come from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds. The findings indicate that E2Cs impact various functions of education, from re-entry and educational certification, to preparation for employment, personal development, and social integration. They focus on improving skills, fostering self-knowledge and inclusion, supporting emotional well-being and active participation in society and the labor market. The profile of students and the types of programs and interventions of these schools are also addressed. The study has contributed to helping consolidate and disseminate knowledge about the functioning of E2Cs and their impact. Implications for educational public policies are offered.

Key words: a scoping review, second chance schools, vulnerable youth, skills, early school leaving, school failure, school absenteeism, educational reintegration, inclusive education, alternative education.