§ 16-67.1-2 - Targeted dropout prevention program. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-67.1-2

   § 16-67.1-2  Targeted dropout preventionprogram. – (a) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shallwork with the school districts that have the lowest high school graduationrates. The department shall incorporate into its progressive support andintervention specific dropout prevention strategies, target resources, andgather data that will include graduation rates and educational outcomes in allRhode Island schools.

   (b) The department shall develop specific methods of targetedintervention or identify appropriate existing methods for school districts thathave a dropout rate greater than fifteen percent (15%) as determined by thedepartment of elementary and secondary education. These interventions methodsmay include:

   (1) Early intervention for students who fail Algebra I or anyninth grade math class and have insufficient credits to be promoted;

   (2) Alternative programs designed to reengage dropoutsincluding dual enrollment courses at the community college level;

   (3) Increased availability of advanced placement courses;

   (4) Offering full course fee waivers for students eligiblefor free and reduced lunches, when enrolled in dual credit courses;

   (5) Flexible programs for older students who are currentlynot enrolled;

   (6) Comprehensive supplemental education programs for middleschool students who are below grade level in reading and math;

   (7) Teacher advisories and other supports that are designedto specifically address the needs of youth most at risk of dropping out ofschool;

   (8) Strategies that are specifically designed to improve highschool graduation rate of teens at highest risk for dropping out, includingyouth in the foster care system, pregnant and parenting youth, English as asecond language learners, and teens with special education needs; and

   (9) Communicating with parents and students about theavailability of local afterschool programs and the academic enrichment andother activities the programs offer.

   (c) The department shall also gather the following data toensure that all programs are research-based and data-driven and use such datafor continuous program improvement:

   (1) The total number of high school suspensions related totruancy;

   (2) Total number of students enrolled in alternative programs;

   (3) Total number of students who have been reenrolled inprograms with flexible schedules or community college programs;

   (4) Total number of freshmen who have personal literacy plans(PLPs);

   (5) Total number of students who have failed Algebra I orninth grade math;

   (6) Total number of students who are repeating the ninthgrade;

   (7) Total number of students receiving remedial programmingin the ninth grade; and

   (8) The percentage of children in the care of DCYF who do notgraduate from high school.

   (d) In school districts involved in progressive supportintervention the department of elementary and secondary education shall prepareand submit each year a written report that documents:

   (1) The outcomes of the dropout prevention strategies todate, at the school district level; and

   (2) How the school district dropout prevention strategies andactivities will be modified, based on the data.