1. Recovering Dropouts via Outreach and Physical or Virtual Reengagement Centers National Dropout Prevention Network October 15, 2012 Emmanuel Allen Glen Biggs Steve Dobo Gail Forbes-Harris Andrew O. Moore Deirdre Pilch

2. Reasons for Dropping Out

3. Working Definition: Reengagement Center A staffed portal, operating at the citywide or school district level, that provides a one-stop assessment and referral service to re- connect educationally disconnected youth and young adults with a best fit option to complete a secondary credential. First point of contact – doorway back into schooling Central physical location, OR readily accessible via roving staff OR operates virtually May offer additional education or support services on site Intensive “caring adult” staffing 3 N ATIONAL L EAGUE OF C ITIES - I NSTITUTE FOR Y OUTH, E DUCATION, AND F AMILIES

4. Basis In Context, Practice, Research Identified need for system-level intervention focused on dropout recovery Typically, one element in multiple pathways to graduation strategy May serve as “pushing” edge of strategy (or pull); shows full “customer base” N ATIONAL L EAGUE OF C ITIES - I NSTITUTE FOR Y OUTH, E DUCATION, AND F AMILIES 4

5. Reengagement Center Policy Platforms Management Role School district Intermediary City government Community college Combinations of above Funding Sources District per-pupil Child welfare Foundation Workforce Investment Act National Service - VISTAs High School Graduation Initiative (HSGI) via district/state 5 5 N ATIONAL L EAGUE OF C ITIES - I NSTITUTE FOR Y OUTH, E DUCATION, AND F AMILIES

6. Online “Drop In” Campaigns: Now in Denver, Boulder, & Aurora, Colorado

7. Reengagement Portal Functions: Recruitment, Intake, Assessment…

8. …Referral: Boulder Partners & Options

10. Post-referral in Boston: Case Management / Graduation Coaches 10

11. Overall stick rate at end of school year: 69%

12. An intermediary organization A collective impact organization and more… A convener for community alignment of strategic goals A convener for community alignment of existing resources For developing local reengagement capacity, Alignment Nashville is….

13. Community Engagement Process: Committees (design and implementation teams)

14. Community Engagement Process: Structure Board of Directors (Governance) Operating Board (Operations) Grade-Level Committees Children’s Health Committees Special Population Committees Design & Implementation Teams

15. 15 (content, status, persons) about any committee or project quickly and easily Find calendar events and agenda share documents collaborate manage projects assess results Alignment Collaboration Portal

16. Reengagement Centers: Operational, Policy Issues to Consider Measuring effectiveness & impact: common indicators? Systematically updating lists of offerings and capacities of alternative schools, programs School calendar fit (mis-fit) // seat time Place within the emerging college/career readiness frame Advantages / drawbacks of co-locating additional services, including instruction NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES - INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH, EDUCATION, AND FAMILIES 10

17. NLC Institute for Youth, Education, and Families Dropout Re-Engagement Network Boston, Massachusetts Dayton, Ohio Denver, Colorado Newark, New Jersey Omaha, Nebraska Philadelphia, PA Portland, Oregon Several more cities: Reengagement Centers in development Network supported by C.S. Mott Foundation Quarterly topical phone calls + yearly meeting Share information via Dropbox Next convening: Dec. 4-6, Denver, Colorado Andrew Moore: moore@nlc.org for more information moore@nlc.org NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES - INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH, EDUCATION, AND FAMILIES 17

18. Destination: Diploma