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MULTIPLE PATHWAYS TO GRADUATION IN THE OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS COUNCIL OF THE GREAT CITY SCHOOLS CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 27, 2011 Shari Koch Supervisor, Multiple Pathways Development
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Omaha Public Schools Over 49,000 Students (PK – 12) African American = 30.8% Asian = 2.6 % Caucasian = 38.5% Hispanic = 26.7% Native American =1.4% Free and Reduced Lunch participation = 67.2% English Language Learners = 13.4 %
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Independent Studies Program UNO/OPS Program Accelere Gateway to College Multiple Pathways Implementation: Finding the Best Fit
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Independent Studies Program Previously the only means outside the traditional high school to a diploma. Students may complete courses either in on-line or textbook-based format. 4 teachers offering core course instruction Serves from 300 – 600 students at a time Ideal for some students Now an opportunity for students to move forward even while in transition
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UNO/OPS program Single classroom on campus at University of Nebraska Omaha 1 administrator, 3 teachers Up to 60 students enrolled at any given time Students take independent study-type coursework that is tailored to interests Up to 3 university courses per semester-dual credit enrollment
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Gateway to College Partnership with Metropolitan Community College Serving students who have dropped out or at high risk for dropping out 36 seats per quarter, for total capacity of up to 108 new participants each year Foundation courses first, then may choose from entire community college course menu Mentoring support is key to student success
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Accelere Program Journey: Beginning with the charge to do things differently A different conversation…..
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Finding ourselves in a new place…
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Schedule for Accelere 4 hour blocks of time = a course Options: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (M-W or T-Th: Adult High) 13 scheduled days in one “term” 1 “make-up” day opportunity 12 month instruction
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A sense of hope… 49 credits required to graduate (one credit = one semester course) 15 “terms” in one year Take one class per term = 15 credits Take two classes per term = 30 credits Recovery (vs. accrual) credits may be earned in half the time
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Have it your way… Choice Flexibility Second chances Older student focus—adult environment Sense of agency—your future is in your hands
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The “Perfect Storm” Need Funding Location Vision Result = 35 students began with Accelere on September 25, 2009 Response = by February 2010, 120 students with a waiting list Currently serve 135 students at a time, with 200 on waiting list
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Our students Bright, Motivated, Determined, and with GREAT potential! Common challenges: Teen parents Foster system Court/probation involvement Family chaos Socially challenged
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Key elements = the FUTURE is in your hands Attitude: Respect Everyone is a Senior!! We all need second chances Persistence A fresh start is never more than 3 weeks away Flexibility—always keep opportunity in front of the student Support Celebrations Celebrating our successes –all attend “graduations” Certificates at end of course for credits earned Earn it: You get what you work for More time investment = more credit Earn your way in, and earn your keep Self-actualization Natural consequences according to guidelines Discipline approached from a teaching/problem-solving perspective
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Behavior Results: Before and After Behavior for 134 students attending Accelere, fall 2011: 695 “Behavior” data entries in the year prior to moving to Accelere 70 previously reassigned or detained Accelere behavior entries for 2010-11: 30 “Behavior” entries One reassignment
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Academic Results Approximately 3000 credits earned by Accelere students in one year 135 students currently enrolled 90 graduates in 2010-11 school year Sample: student transcript Dropout rate on strong downward trendline
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Results…. changed lives. Today, and tomorrow.
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