High School Graduation
Dunklin County Caring Communities Partnership
Core Result: Youth ready to enter work force
Benchmark: High School Graduation Rate
February 2002
Objective
To increase the Dunklin County high school graduation rate, from a baseline rate of 69.0 in 1996 to 79 percent by the year 2003.
Strategies
DREAMERS is an alternative school setting for students at the highest risk for dropping out of school. DREAMERS addresses the academic, social, and life skills high-risk students need to succeed in school. Programs emphasize career decision-making and promote increased academic success leading to a high school diploma. DREAMERS serves students in nine Dunklin, New Madrid, and Pemiscot County schools.
Career & Education Resource - Provides tools to ease the transition from school to work or higher education. The site coordinator, business teacher and case manager developed a library of materials to help students make a successful transition to higher education or employment after high school. A career and education resource library offers resources to students and parents.
Career Development Classes – Students complete applications, select interview attire and interview for jobs through role-play activities. The students learn about attitudes required to meet workplace challenges and to succeed in a rewarding career.
Reconnecting Youth - was implemented at Dreamers in 1999. Reconnecting Youth is a school-based, peer group curriculum approach that has proven effective in helping high-risk youth raise their grade point averages (GPA) and manage their anger, while decreasing drug use and depression. The research-based curriculum focuses on self-esteem, decision-making, personal control, and communication. By enhancing the personal and social protective factors of high-risk students, Reconnecting Youth will make a substantial long-term difference.
Yearbook Program - provides opportunities for students to acquire computer, desktop publishing and writing skills, while promoting creativity and community involvement as they develop a school yearbook.
Program Performance Measure
Results
High school graduation rates are often used as an indicator of the success or failure of schools. The Dunklin County graduation rate increased from 69 percent in 1996 to 78.7 percent in 2000!
Noteworthy
In 2000, the percentage of Dunklin County students who entered a two or four-year college or university was substantially less than the state average. In 2001, the percentage of Dunklin County students who entered college had increased and the percentage of high school graduates who entered college was greater than in the state average.
Funding/Return on Investment
Dunklin County Caring Council has provided the Site Coordinator for Dreamers. This year, the Kennett School District is funding one-fourth of the expenses of this position. In addition, each school contributes an average of $4,200 for each student whom they enroll.
Barriers
Youth need to be engaged in activities that allow them to be physically active. The lack of outdoor facilities at the Dreamer’s site requires the student’s to remain indoors all day. Outdoor facilities would provide enjoyable activities as well as other benefits of physical activity. Additional funding is needed to develop these outdoor facilities.
