Diversity and complexity: a typology of students attending Quebec’s second chance schools
Quebec adult education plays a major role in the overall diplomation rates of youths who do not obtain their diplomas in regular settings. The notable increase of youths aged between 16 and 24 years old in the adult education centers, their heterogeneity and their needs, currently stand among the most crucial challenges faced by these school settings. This article presents a research conducted with 386 youths enrolled in adult education centers in Quebec. We used a latent class analysis in order to gain a better understanding of these youths in terms of psychosocial characteristics and profiles. Results show that four profiles can be distinguished from our sample. Profiles can be understood with regards to the contemporary features of the transition to adulthood, the developmental tasks at stake, the elevated and various risk factors found in youths’ past trajectories. Results are discussed in light of the respective needs of these four profiles and complementary services that should be provided to meet these needs.