Improving Study Skills in the Class of 2010 David Dawson Fordland High School Fordland, MO DDawson@Fordland.k12.mo.us 417.767.4555

The Problem After the 1st mid-quarter grade reports, an intervention was needed to help improve the grades of seniors that were in jeopardy of not graduating because of poor grades which were causing lack of credits. For the 2009-2010 these there were some seniors who could not fail any classes because they had failed so many classes in the past. If these students passed EVERY class which they were in, they would only graduate with the minimum number of credits possible.

SIMS (Students, Interventions, Measurements and Settings) Students – 12th grade students with one or more D’s & F’s on 1st quarter report card (2009-2010) Interventions – Counselor met weekly with each student individually and in a group setting. Students also are targeted and participated in an RTI program known at Fordland as the “Flight Program”. Measurements – D’s & F’s were counted and compared each time a progress report was issued (quarter mid-point). Settings - Counselor met with each student individually in Counseling Center at Fordland High School. As a group, students met in the gymnasium

Response to the Problem 7 seniors who were a total of at least 7 credits short of graduation and on the D & F list at the mid 1st quarter grade reports were targeted for intervention Immediately these 7 students were asked to participate in small group counseling sessions which were conducted utilizing the following evidence based practices: “Tools for Success” Curriculum Individual Counseling as needed Participation in Fordland’s RTI program, “Flight”

Results: Grades as of 1st mid-quarter

Results The majority of students improved their grade as of the 2nd mid quarter grade reports. Not all grades were passing, but improvements were made post group.

Summary Each student overall had higher grades overall Some grades were still not passing, but those F’s that were present were high F’s and each student has a plan to continue improvement Students will continue to be seen by the counselor and participate in the “flight program” Even though attendance wasn’t officially tracked, the attendance in the group was over 95%. Teachers were pleased with the change in effort, participation, and attendance by these 7 students

Recommendations Identify individual students who continue to struggle with grades, study skills, time management, goal setting, and stress management Begin identifying at risk students their freshman year if grade problems arise Utilize the small group process with additional students Consider Incorporating the “Tools for Success” in the regular classroom and for those that it is appropriate, continue to utilize the “Flight Program”