Los Angeles is one among many local educational agencies across the country that have adopted evidence-based strategies in an effort to change the academic trajectories of youth involved in the juvenile legal system. This study examines the implementation of the Road to Success Academies (RTSA), a comprehensive educational model for juvenile court schools, at two sites in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The primary goal of the RTSA model framework is to ignite student excitement and interest in learning using interdisciplinary, project-based learning strategies. Trauma-informed practices are combined with California standards-based curriculum to create thematic modules designed to advance social-emotional-learning alongside academic skill acquisition. By centering on student engagement, the RTSA model has great promise for both advancing the educational delivery within the juvenile legal system, and supporting LA County’s holistic goal of re-envisioning the juvenile legal system to move away from punishment to care. The current study builds upon research focused on educational experiences in juvenile corrections facilities (Allen & Grassell, 2017; Leone & Weinberg, 2012) and focuses on the following research questions: How does the RTSA model impact student learning outcomes and student engagement among students in carceral settings, and how does the carceral setting itself impact implementation of educational services broadly, and RTSA specifically? What are key challenges to full implementation of RTSA for youth in carceral settings? Learn more on the CTS website.
