Description:
This study examined implementation of the Secondary Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) program in 2024–2025 and tracked student outcomes from 2021–2022 through 2024–2025. Using surveys, program records, assessment data, and longitudinal student data, the study examined levels of implementation, English language development, literacy and mathematics growth, graduation progress, and student retention. Findings indicated that the program was largely implemented as designed, providing intensive English language development, foundational academic instruction, and socio-emotional supports through multidisciplinary teams. Students demonstrated growth in English proficiency, literacy, mathematics, and credit accumulation; however, most had not yet reached grade-level proficiency or college- and career-readiness benchmarks, indicating a need for continued support and additional time to accelerate learning. Challenges included curriculum alignment, instructional resources, attendance, student mobility, and continuity of support following transition from the program. Overall, findings show that the program provides an important pathway for SLIFE to develop the skills needed to successfully transition into general education settings while highlighting opportunities to strengthen instructional programming and long-term student success.
Recommendations:
- Adopt research-based literacy and mathematics curricula specifically designed for older students with interrupted formal education;
- Implement a permanent interrupted-schooling indicator in student information systems to improve monitoring of enrollment, progress, and outcomes;
- Expand specialized professional learning and strengthen student support systems to improve instructional delivery, increase student retention, and support students' transition to general education settings while maintaining progress toward high school graduation.
A response to the recommendations in this report, prepared by the Division of Multilingual Education, can be found here.
File Name:
Secondary SLIFE Program Evaluation Report_Final.pdf (5.3MB PDF)
