community involvement for student success. our community is directly impacted by the level of...
TRANSCRIPT
Community Involvement for Student Success
Our community is directly impacted by the level of academic achievement of students in our district. As families and businesses consider relocation, the school district is a primary focus.
The community and school must work together to promote a high value on education.
The high schools are currently rated by TEA as Academically Unacceptable.
This is a call for help to ensure Victoria is a community where education and businesses can flourish.
A Community Approach to Our Future
Students must complete a minimum of 26 credits to graduate. Of these, 16 are core requirements.
New TEA assessment standards require higher order thinking skills. Students are being taught and tested at a greater depth and level of cognitive complexity.
Student absenteeism significantly impairs the student’s ability to meet these standards.
What is expected of students?
2006-2007 Attendance Rate: 90.1%2007-2008 Attendance Rate: 89.1%2008-2009 Attendance Rate: 89.9%2009-2010 Attendance Rate: 90.6%2010-2011 Attendance Rate: 91.3%Approximately 3300 students are enrolled in
our high schools.On an average day, approximately 300
students are absent. One missed class is equivalent to two days on the block schedule.
Secondary Attendance
Attendance Comparison with Comparable High Schools
High level of poverty Pregnancy/teen parents High rate of student mobility Homelessness Family conflict Lack of parental support Unaccompanied youth Peer influences Drugs and alcohol Student employment hours Lack of transportation
Factors Contributing to Absenteeism
Learning/academic gapsStudent failure rate/state assessmentDrop-out rateFederal and state accountability District funding Increased opportunities for illegal activitiesLack of quality workforceEconomic health of the community
Impact of Absenteeism
Fall 2011
Parent Contact
Home Visits
Campus event
Attendance Incentives
Social Services Referrals
Warning Letters Issued
Statutory WarningsIssued
Cases Filed and Present to JP Court
Leavers Tracked
Total 825 259 15 12 277 756 200 88 144
Secondary Attendance
JanuaryTotal
323 54 3 2 86 62 122 60 1
*East and West High School Attendance Liaison Efforts
Teacher contacts Automated call system Written notification of absences Parent/student conferences Home visits Clothing/food/school supplies Truancy sweep/van Attendance contracts Statutory warnings Truancy court
Actions to Improve Attendance
Community and VISD mentorsAttendance incentivesCommunities In SchoolsSTAR Program/Gulf Bend ServicesMid-Coast Family ServicesKidz ConnectionFamily ConnectionDestiny ConsultingAVIDExtra-curricular/clubs/organizations
Support to Improve Attendance
“Our project would be wildly successful if everyone in the community felt a sense of obligation to help just one student.”
How can we best focus attention on education ?
By:Chris Cobler, Victoria Advocate Editor
What are your ideas on how we can work together to create a strong educational community?
What are your ideas for improving student attendance?
What is Victoria’s commitment to a more educated population?