What happens to kids who misbehave so badly they get kicked out of public school? It used to be they disappeared from view and then limped through life without a high school diploma, which means they never really got far. But as more schools have become tough with the tough kids, a system for managing these potential dropouts has begun to emerge, giving kids like Eduardo a chance. Sitting on a folding chair in his cap and gown, surrounded by proud friends and teachers, Eduardo, 18, looks like any other happy December graduate as he opens a gift-wrapped box containing a new watch. But only nine months ago, Eduardo, who doesn's want his last name published, was removed from a Los Angeles high school for what he calls "a lot of bad behavior," including truancy, failing grades and drug use. He was transferred to Northeast Juvenile Justice Center, an alternative school for troubled kids who have left the regular educational system. "It seemed like it was all over for me because I had messed up so much" says Eduardo. "But here I am graduating."
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