1. GRADUATION COACHES “All CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT TO US”

2. What is a Graduation Coach? A person who works with a targeted group of at risk children to help them become high school graduates.

3. 2007-2008 Graduation Coaches James Kelly—Barbe Anya Miller—LaGrange Jackie Shelton—Washington Marion

4. Roles of a Graduation Coach

5. Identify high school students not graduating. Develop relationships with students and parents. Track target students.

6. Roles of a Graduation Coach Continued… Connect students to people and resources Assist teachers Motivating students Assist with five year plans

7. How are Graduation Coaches Different from Counselors? Graduation Coaches work full time with only targeted at-risk students. Counselors work with all students at a school Counselors serve as testing coordinators

8. Why do we need Graduation Coaches? Lower the drop out rate Encourage students to strive for a higher level of diploma Monitor at risk students Develop relationships with students

9. Effort and Care is Required 2736 Total 8th Graders in Calcasieu Parish in 2000-2001 2000-01 52 - 1.9% Dropped out in 8th grade 15.2 % of This Class Dropped Out 2001-02 99 - 3.6% Dropped out in 9th grade 2002-03 85 - 3.7% Dropped out in 10th grade 2003-04 101 - 4.8% Dropped out in 11th grade 2004-05 79 - 4.1% Dropped out in 12th grade Total 406 - 15.2% Total Drop Outs for Class

10. Do You Have Any Questions?

11. Students who exited for the following reasons are not considered dropouts graduated or completed other approved educational program temporary absence due to illness or expulsion transfer to correctional institution transfer to non-public school or home- schooling transfer out of state death