Dropout Prevention

The Board of Education recognizes that regular school attendance is critical to student learning and achievement. The Board desires to provide a learning environment that engages students, helps them become self-motivated, encourages regular attendance, and enables them to meet district standards and to be successful in high school and beyond. The Superintendent or designee shall develop strategies to identify and serve students at all grade levels who are at risk of dropping out of school. Students may be identified on the basis of indicators such as frequent absenteeism, truancy, or tardiness; below-grade-level achievement; or personal, social, health, or economic concerns that may make a student more likely to drop out of school. The school site council at each school shall develop a comprehensive school plan for student retention in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation. The plan shall be designed to help reduce student absenteeism and to improve student achievement. Outreach Consultants The Superintendent or designee may ensure that eligible schools have outreach consultants to help meet the needs of at-risk students. Priority shall be given to placing outreach consultants in schools that have at least 50 percent of students are eligible for Title I funds pursuant to 20 USC 6301-6322. (Education Code 41506) Outreach consultants shall: (Education Code 52890) - If hired after January 1, 2004, possess a Dropout Prevention Specialist Certificate from a California State University or enroll in a Dropout Prevention Specialist Certificate program within 90 days of the date of hire - Demonstrate knowledge of local alternative educational programs and employ those programs to respond to the differential needs and unique learning styles of students - Demonstrate knowledge of local community agencies and community programs to recruit those agencies and programs to assist in the physical or psychological remediation of students - Utilize local school programs, options, and opportunities to assist students in locating, securing, or retaining employment - Utilize techniques that enhance interpersonal communication, self-understanding, self-disclosure, and depth-level sharing - Employ appropriate methods to create circumstances necessary so that change is permitted and encouraged in individuals, programs, and institutions - Be responsible for supervising, instructing, conducting negotiations with, and advising students and adults