Good Shepherd Services Case Study

According to Good Shepherd Services (GSS) website ((Good Shepherds Services), their transfer school program has been developed in 50/50 partnership with the NYC Department of Education (DOE). This program serves young people between the ages of 16 and 21 who dropped out of school and think of coming back (usually over-age students); students who were not successful in regular school and off-track to graduating before they turn 21; usually students who enroll into the transfer school program have 50% less credits they would normally need to graduate on time.

The “nationally recognized transfer high school model integrates the youth development practices and expertise of Good Shepherd within a rigorous, standards-based instructional setting”

The DAP measures “the internal strengths and external supports that influence a youth’s success in school and in life” (The Developmental Assets Profile). Based on the results, the student is given a personalized standards-based curriculum in “a highly personalized school environment” with small classes, “where each student is known, respected, and supported”. (Good Shepherds Services)

Each student is assigned an advocate/counselor who provides the student with academic support and youth development opportunities, like internships, to engage the student in learning and develop the skills needed to graduate.

Engagement with the program and staff develops the students’ feeling of empowerment connected with having a role and responsibilities. The majority of the transfer school students are from economically challenged households – having a stable and supportive school environment develops their feeling of safety and lets students focus on academics and developing skills that will serve them after graduation. Moreover, different seminars, workshops, and postsecondary information section build the youths’ confidence in their