Leadership Meeting Presented by: Rosaura Rodriguez Director for Guidance & AT-Risk Population August 12-15, 2008 The Principals Role in Dropout Prevention: Seven Key Principles by Dr. Steven Edwards (February 26, 2008)

2 Who can impact the school dropout rate the most? ask the authors to this newest publication in the Effective Strategies for School Improvement series. Their answer: Arguably, the Principal. By Steven W. Edwards and Rebecca Edwards The Principals Role in Dropout Prevention: Seven Key Principles

3 Principle One: Identify Students Early Who are they? What does the data tell us? When do we identify a child at risk? Pyramid of intervention Principle Two: Closely Examine New and Existing School Policies and Procedures How do your current policies /procedures impact your most vulnerable populations? What data do you have on the impact of the policies and procedures on subgroups within your school? How could modifications in policies and procedures have a positive impact on the success of ALL students?

4 Principle Three: Build Strong Community Partnerships and Personalize Your School Engage key agencies, organizations, and businesses Create win-win partnerships Personalize by making relationships a priority ~ Extend contact time between students and adults * Looping and teaming Principle Four: Reduce Social Isolation Exposure to opportunities Connect to the business community ~ Resources ~ Services ~ Internships Opportunities to serve

5 Principle Five: Manage Student Transitions Both academic and nonacademic Looking at extending the time for students to complete graduation requirements ~ Menu of options Interventions must meet identified needs Principle Six: Create Options and Implement Creative Interventions From year to year From level to level Throughout the day Be proactive with transitions Principle Seven: Building Parent/Family Relationships Over communicate Be proactive Work from the parents/family perspective

6 Developing a Plan Where are you now? Be data driven. Be honest with yourself and your school community. Implementing the Seven Principles Do not try to do everything at once. Look at multiple phases. Start with an evaluation plan in mind; how will you measure success? Keep in mind the core values of your staff.

7 Educational Resource List New Releases Browse all Publications by Title Browse all Publications by Author Publication Series ~ Effective Strategies ~ Linking with Life ~ Truancy Prevention in Action Publication Types ~ Books ~ Booklets ~ Journals ~ Research Reports ~ Games ~ Videos Purchase Publications ~ Order Form National Dropout Prevention Center/Network Clemson University, 209 Martin Street Clemson, SC Phone # (864) Fax # (864) Source: National Dropout Prevention Center/Network; Steven W. Edwards and Rebecca Edwards (The Principals Role In Dropout Prevention Seven Key Principle)