Dropout Prevention Committee Appoquinimink School District

Committee member Norm Abrams Chris Beck Darren Blackston Mike Breen Cyndi Clay Felecia Duggins Katie Gallucci Ray Gravuer Cathy Holland Lorraine James Sandy Joswick Jeff Klein Jessie Lauver Elaine McCall Rene Nolan Debbie Panchisin Sharon Pepukayi Kittie Rehrig Melissa Stilwell Suzanne Street TJ Vari Jackee Wade

Role of Committee: Set a goal for dropout reduction that is specific, aggressive, achievable, and measurable and develop a plan for strategies to achieve our goal

Review of 2011District Data

90% of students started and graduated 4 years later. The students most likely to drop out: – Students who are Latino – Students who have Disabilities – Low income

Committee Work Analyzed data Evaluated research articles Reviewed current programs in ASD Established strategies

Establishing Strategies Survey was given to all committee members asking them to evaluate each strategy on how much it will benefit students. Year 1 Strategies (Year 1) Impact on Student Outcome Score Ensure that all instruction is rigorous and relevant.43 Early Warning System: Process to identify the potential dropouts and track them to document the interventions are successful. ** 40 More consistent parent outreach - Improve parental involvement (Notify parents that their child is on the early warning list.) 40 Identify a dropout liaison for each school who will review data, manage the services, tag retention 39 Create graduation plans for identified students39 Support legislation for mandatory attendance to be age 18 **37 New Student Orientation process – review students enrollment history to determine if they have attended many schools. 35 Identify 3 times per year to review students who drop out (first week and 2 others times)34 Review ISS to include individualized conferencing28

Recommendations for Year 1 Early Warning System: More consistent parent outreach Identify a dropout liaison for each school Create graduation plans Support legislation for mandatory attendance to be age 18 Support new students who have attended many schools Identify 3 times per year to review students who drop out

Recommendations for Year 2 Cross grade conversations regarding curriculum expectations and students Creative scheduling for students who have earned all their credits midyear Limit retentions Conduct home visits

Recommendations for Year 3 Targeted interventions beginning at kindergarten Assigning trained advocates/mentors Targeted professional development in reading, writing, and math strategies. Creating a smaller community of learners Group counseling support for identified students Review of summer school programming Career and campus readiness

Long term Strategies Preschool for economically disadvantaged or for all/early intervention Improve ratio of related and mental health services Multi age/grade program for students who are behind Lower class size in lower grades for students identified through at-risk system Recovery programs for students who have dropped out Credit recovery during school day In-district and in-building opportunities for students with significant academic and behavior needs

Long term Strategies Flexible school day Extended school day Vocational opportunities Hybrid classes/online Extended school year / year-round school Peer mentors Career and technology support for lower SES students/families

Any Questions?