Education
"Graduation for All" Update to the Boston School Committee
The findings of this 10-month study conducted by the Parthenon Group are summarized in this document presented to the Boston School Committee. This study sought to identify and explore the population of Boston students at greatest risk of dropping out of high school and develop a plan for addressing the dropout rate. The report describes the landscape of dropout in Boston and identifies common characteristics of these students. Next steps from the report include using these characteristics to predict which students are most likely to dropout and to develop strategies for dropout prevention. September 2007.
Identifying Potential Dropouts: Key Lessons for Building an Early Warning Data System
The goal of this white paper commissioned for the project “Moving Forward: High Standards and High Graduation Rates,” the 3 state, joint project of Achieve, Inc. and Jobs for the Future is to inform and advise policy makers about the research on the issue of dropouts. It presents the best practices for creating early warning data systems that will assist in the identification of students who are at risk of dropping out and could benefit from intervention. The paper discusses what students drop out and why, and what can be done in terms of prevention. June 2006.
Massachusetts Community Colleges: The Potential for Improving College Attainment
In an effort to improve graduation rates, the Boston Foundation released a report that highlights best practices for supporting students’ in attaining college degrees. The author outlines strategies for working with both traditional age students and adult students. Specifically, this report discusses the role of community colleges in various aspects of the MA workforce. The author also offers various approaches and recommendations for improving the community college system. February 2007.
Reclaiming the American Dream
This report by The Bridgespan Group seeks to identify those supports that seem to have the biggest impact on assisting low-income students to and through college. The authors look at academic preparation, disparities in preparation and how to address them; expectations of the students, their families and their schools; and college access and affordability. Finally, an overview is presented of next steps toward making change for low-income students and their access to college. October 2006.
The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts
This report, for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation takes a look at high school dropouts. In particular, they describe the students who leave school before graduation and the outline the reasons for dropping out. They also touch on some of the regrets of those that dropped out. The authors identify factors which might help to keep these students in school, as well as the policy implications which follow. March 2006.
