GED OPTION 2: The MPS Alternative to Dropping Out Presentation Team Members: Valencia Beckley, Kilmer South HS Coordinator Sheryl Knox, WHS-Expeditionary Learning Coordinator Toi Lisa Mark, Vincent Coordinator Adrienne Woods, Alternative School Program Officer

What is GED OPTION 2? It is a program that allows authorized districts to use GED test battery to measure proficiency in lieu of high school credits for students enrolled in an alternative education program.

Why GED Option 2? To assist a large number of at-risk students between the ages of whose educational focus and progress had been interrupted by various factors, such as having become habitual truants, drop outs, school age parents, and/or adjudicated youth.

Who Qualifies? Student must be at least 17 years of age. Student must be at least one year behind their 9 th grade class in credits earned. Student must have the ability to read at or above the 9 th grade level. Student must demonstrate desire to attend school and ability to be self-motivated.

How Does It Work? Student attends school 15 hours a week and prepares for GED test battery. Student must meet nine components of program; however, may be waived from some GED tests if he/she has met graduation requirement in that subject. Student must maintain 90% attendance rate to remain in program. Students graduate with high school diploma after meeting requirements of program.

Benefits Smaller class setting Classes are offered within a regular high school environment. Students receive a traditional high school diploma. Students are prepared for post-secondary plans.

MPS History MPS received approval from DPI in June11, GEDO2 program was implemented at three sites beginning the school year: Kilmer South Alternative High School Juneau Business Charter High School South Division High School

Focus on Repeat 9 th Graders School Year 9 th Grade Data for School Year 9,000 9 th graders 3,000 of, th graders are repeaters 636 or 3,000 are 17 years of age or older

Focus on Repeat 9 th Graders School Year 9 th Grade Data for School Year 7,772 9 th graders 2119 of 7,772 9 th graders are repeaters 3,173 of 7,772 are Over-age for grade 9

Growth – Presentation of program to high school principals Sites grew from three to eleven Sites received Board funds to support program

Growth – Sites grew to 16 for and 18 for school years, which consisted of comprehensive, charter, contracted and alternative schools. Continued to receive Board funds to support programs Received 5 year Alternative Education Grant from DPI beginning school year.

Current Status– Decreased to 15 sites Focus on site success rate and number of students served Increase funding for each of the 10 selected sites 5 of 15 sites requested continuation of program even without funds. 10 Sites received Board funds and ARRA funds. ARRA funds allow RFP for employability skills for all 15 sites..

Alignment & Growth Monthly meetings with GEDO2 Coordinators GEDO2 Coordinator Binder Uniform checklist of student expectations Attendance monitoring on student data base Creation of course codes, transcript language and other student database areas Post-secondary Planning Portfolios requirement Summer School program began 2008

Enrollment History Enrollment 238 enrolled Enrollment 375 enrolled Enrollment 358 enrolled

Increase in Graduates 2007 GEDO2 Graduates 83 graduates = 37% 2008 GEDO2 Graduates 183 graduates = 49% 2009 GEDO2 Graduates 202 graduates = 56%

Partnerships University of Wisconsin- Whitewater Talent Search Program Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee Christian Center - Youthbuild Program

Employability Skills Resources Youthbuild Program ManPower School Advisory Board WisCareers RFP Milwaukee Job Development posted

Post-secondary Planning Portfolio Students must complete binders as a requirement for graduation. Binders should at least include the following : Entrance Paper (discuss life experiences and goals) Employment Cover Letter and Resume Letter of Recommendation (minimum of two) College Application (minimum of 1 and optional in some cases) College Acceptance Letter (if applicable) College Entrance Exam Scores (if applicable) GED Scores (optional) Career Interest Inventory Sample Financial Budget Exit Paper

GED Option #2 = HOPE

Question and Answer

In Closing…..