Emerging Dropout Recovery Practices

1. Dropout Recovery Resource Guide December 2008 EGS Research & Consulting Steve Pierce Principal�s Hour March 5, 2009 Emerging Dropout Recovery Practices

3. Greater differentiation following re-enrollment Recovered dropout pilot programs: give greater flexibility, more services, and more attention�especially for older students. Alternative programs are creating special programs for recovered dropouts within the school or creating new schools. Assign specific staff to address the needs of recovered dropouts and monitor their progress, implement a case management approach, and group them into classes only for recovered dropouts.

4. Connecting the recovered dropout to a caring adult Done in several ways: by assigning a counselor, case manager, teacher or other staff to each recovered dropout from re-admission to graduation and beyond.

5. Integrating a case management model The case manager identifies, coordinates and supervises all the services a recovered dropout gets.

6. Greater flexibility Extending the school/program hours to twilight/evening because many dropouts work.

7. Increasing range of program choices Place the recovered dropout in the most suitable location. The location may be physical or virtual. Physical locations may include the alternative academic high school, an evening program in a regular HS, or a program on a college campus. May offer on-line courses�must be monitored and student progress tracked frequently.

8. Assigning high quality staff Avoid making alternative schools �dumping grounds� for ineffective teachers. Need high quality staff who are experienced working with at-risk students and dedicated to making a difference.

9. Tailoring the academic program to the recovered dropout�s academic status Tailor the needs to the student Student not demonstrating proficiency on one or more sections of the TAKS is different from the student in credit recovery Develop an IGP (Individualized Graduation Plan) for each student Self-paced program based on a combination of technology and direct instruction.

10. Post-high school focus Emerging dropout recovery programs have shifted to a longer term goal: getting recovered dropouts ready for post-secondary education or employment and assisting them with the transition. Emerging dropout programs are promoting graduation under the Recommended Plan and de-emphasizing the GED.

11. Collaboration with post-secondary institutions Help filling out applications Assistance in getting financial aid Trips to college campus Take college classes and earn college credit before graduation from HS

12. Follow students in college Want to know how your recovered dropouts are doing in college Follow these students for one year Develops a close relationship between recovery program and college

13. Workforce preparation Providing recovered dropouts job skills Connecting them to jobs while still in school Providing CTE classes

14. Final Thought Perseverance is not a long race: it is many short races, one after another. Walter Elliot