1. Dropout Prevention and Recovery Kathy Hamilton Youth Transitions Director

2. Ten years of dropout prevention and recovery: mobilization and change in Boston Youth Transitions Task Force

3.  Convened by Mayor Thomas Menino in 2004  District, city and state agencies, community-based organizations (CBO’s)  Goal: lower dropout rate in Boston and Massachusetts  Conducted quantitative research  Focus groups: youth and parents  Interviews: educators and youth service providers About the Youth Transitions Task Force (YTTF)

4.  Approximately 1,700 students dropping out every year (rate of 8%)  More than 8,000 young dropouts living in the community  1 in 3 students are not graduating  A dropout costs the taxpayer $467,023, due to high unemployment and greater public service dependency  Young people want more adult and peer connections in school 2004 - 2006 Research: finding and mobilizing the right information

5.  Refine dropout data collection methods & deepen the analysis.  Develop early intervention strategies and an outreach and referral system for dropouts.  Increase the number and the variety of alternatives.  Create school climates that are welcoming and respectful for students and parents.  Increase coordination among agencies to close gaps.  Develop revenue strategies for alternative programs, early intervention, and outreach to dropouts. YTTF recommendations

6. Youth Transitions partners’ response Boston Public Schools: 2007: Deep “segmentation” analysis to find those most likely to drop out 2008: Credit recovery program for off-track seniors (now graduates more than 200 students per year) 2009: Re-Engagement Center for returning dropouts 2012: Refinances alternative education PIC: 2006: Dropout outreach pilot 2010: Work and learning programs for at-risk students Community-based organizations: increased partnership with BPS for wraparound support

7. Number of dropouts and dropout rate

8.  Critical mass: gathering a coalition of the willing  Champions at key points:  Mayor Thomas Menino (2004-2013)  Superintendent Carol Johnson (2007-2012)  State Department of Elementary & Secondary Education  Basing advocacy on rigorous data and research  Measuring progress annually  Engaging stakeholders broadly in different types of convenings Keys to success

9.  Better frame the need for an increase in multiple pathways to graduation  Postsecondary success supports for “recovery” graduates and opportunity youth (20-24 year olds, out of school & out of work)  Connection Center for disconnected high school graduates Next steps