Dropout Prevention and RecoveryKathy Hamilton

Youth Transitions Director

Ten years of dropout prevention and recovery: mobilization and change in Boston

Youth Transitions Task Force

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)

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

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

Youth Transitions partners’ response

Boston Public Schools:2007: Deep “segmentation” analysis to find those most likely to drop out2008: Credit recovery program for off-track seniors (now graduates more than 200 students per year)2009: Re-Engagement Center for returning dropouts2012: Refinances alternative education

PIC:2006: Dropout outreach pilot2010: Work and learning programs for at-risk students

Community-based organizations: increased partnership with BPS for wraparound support

Number of dropouts and dropout rate

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

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