May 13, 2009 1

Christopher Hottel, SuperintendentMichelle L. Papanicolau, Director of Adult

Education

May 13, 2009 2

Dropout Intervention Overview

I. Introduction: Dropout Data and Nashua’s Success

II. Context: What is the Challenge?III. Reasons for SuccessIV. InitiativesV. The Road Ahead

May 13, 2009 3

Dropout Data and Nashua’s Success

May 13, 2009 4

May 13, 2009 5

Identifying priorities for DistrictSupport through District policies and proceduresEnsure flexibility

Coordinating in-district programs and services with out-of-district programs, services, and agencies

Fiscal challenges/unfunded mandatesIdentifying at-risk factors:

Poor literacy skillsPoor academic performanceLack of parent involvementAlcohol/drug abuse; mental health issues; teen pregnancyGang violencePoverty

Context: What are the Challenges?

May 13, 2009 6

Special Education and Student Services Budget Allocation

$18,373,863Special Services

$4,827,473

Student Services

$65,270,927Others

Special Services 20.8%$18,373,863Student Services 5.5%$4,827,473Others 73.8%$65,270,927Total: 100.0%$88,472,263

May 13, 2009 7

Free and Reduced School Lunch Participation

May 13, 2009 8

Number of ELL Students Serviced Over 5-Year Period

May 13, 2009 9

Reasons for SuccessReorganizationFollow the ChildCurriculum alignmentDedicated fundsTraining and leadershipData management and integration of systems

May 13, 2009 10

ReorganizationDistrict Office

Curriculum DirectorAccountability DirectorStudent Services DirectorGrants and Community DevelopmentSystems Data AnalystAdult and Community Education Director

Adult Education High School Diploma Program Summer School (Elementary and Secondary) Transitional Coordinator for Alternative Placement

Curriculum and Professional Development Council

May 13, 2009 11

ReorganizationHigh Schools

Principal leadershipGuidance DirectorsAssistant Principals – Year-round leadershipCoordinated services between schoolsStudent Information CoordinatorELL Outreach Coordinator

Phoenix Program

May 13, 2009 12

Initiatives and Specific Programs21 Century Programs5th BlockNashua Community Adult SchoolSecondary Summer SchoolCoordination with City AgenciesMy TurnGEDNH ScholarsDual Credit Opportunities

Project Running StartProject Lead the WayAdvanced Placement

May 13, 2009 13

Advanced Placement

May 13, 2009 14

Coordination with City AgenciesNashua Adult Learning Center

Clearway High SchoolGED ProgramGet Ready for College Program

Nashua Youth CouncilStudent Assistance Program (SAP) CounselorsIntervention programs for middle schoolsMental health servicesTeen pregnancy servicesBridges (domestic violence intervention)

District Court

May 13, 2009 15

21st Century Programs

• District operating budget contributes $125,000

• Curriculum aligned with State standards

• All teachers are highly qualified

• Population served includes the Title I eligible schools

May 13, 2009 16

• 5th Block is funded by the Dropout Prevention Grant

• Student include those who have failed courses during the traditional school day

• All teachers are highly qualified

• Courses include core classes, CTE courses, and extended learning opportunities

Fifth Block Classes

May 13, 2009 17

• Organizational focus on leadership in adult and community education beginning in 2007

• Adult and community education program coordinates alternative educational opportunities

• Strategic communication with potential dropouts in and out of school

• Coordination with high schools, guidance administration and counseling services

May 13, 2009 18

• Of the 250 students enrolled in courses, 57% are taking academic classes for high school credit including, but not limited to, Nashua High School students

• 18% are non-traditional learners needing more than 4 years to complete a traditional high school diploma

• 25% are students needing pre-requisite classes for post secondary education

Adult Education Student Age Breakdown

May 13, 2009 19

• Middle school students taking courses in Literacy and Mathematics

• High school students in credit recovery

• Academic core classes and electives, including CTE (i.e., Marketing, Desktop Publishing)

Secondary Summer School

May 13, 2009 20

The Road Ahead: The Challenges We Face

Persistent Problem: Currently facing 114 dropouts; 26 of whom will not reach age 18 by September 1, 2009

Nashua’s Strategic Plan 2009-2014Fiscal challenges: Continued need for funding resources Demographic trendsTough Choices or Tough Times

May 13, 2009 21

Four Cornerstonesfor Educational Improvement

1. Building Leadership2. Shaping Belief3. Creating Achievement4. Celebrating Success