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