multiple pathways to graduation in the omaha public schools council of the great city schools...

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS TO GRADUATION IN THE OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLSCOUNCIL OF THE GREAT CITY SCHOOLS CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 27, 2011

Shari Koch

Supervisor, Multiple Pathways Development

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 %

•Independent Studies Program•UNO/OPS Program•Accelere•Gateway to College

Multiple Pathways Implementation: Finding the Best Fit

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

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

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

Accelere Program

Journey: Beginning with the charge to do things differently

A different conversation…..

Finding ourselves in a new place…

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

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

Have it your way…

Choice Flexibility Second chances Older student focus—adult environment Sense of agency—your future is in your

hands

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

Our students

•Bright, Motivated, Determined, and with GREAT potential!•Common challenges: • Teen parents• Foster system• Court/probation involvement• Family chaos• Socially challenged

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

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

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

Results….

changed lives. Today, and tomorrow.