Davie High Pulls Out All the Stops to Reduce Dropout Rate
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As prevalent and persistent as kudzu, so goes the dropout problem in North Carolina's public high schools. It's an issue that has taken on added significance now that a high school's dropout rate counts as part of the ABCs accountability model.
Davie High School Principal Dr. Linda Bost has found that in order to reduce her school's dropout rate, she first had to find out why students were dropping out. "You can get some really great ideas if you just take the time to listen to your students. You'll find some of the answers will be easy; others a little more complex. What's important is that you allow yourself the creativity and flexibility to solve the problem. The rewards are immeasurable."
Bost found that the best way to make headway with her school's dropout problem was to use an approach that incorporates a variety of initiatives. "The reasons why students drop out of school are as varied and individual as the student," Bost said. "We'll try most anything to help the child as long as the child is also trying."
Bost added that it's also important for principals to empower their staffs to develop solutions. "After all, they are the ones in the classroom having daily contact with students." Bost said that she has found that the problem often comes from the administrator but the answers come from teachers.
It's a process that's working as Davie High's dropout rate has steadily declined from 5.86 percent in 1998-99 to 5.17 percent in 2000-01. How are they doing it? Following is a brief outline of the various approaches Davie High School uses to keep students in school and on track to graduate.
If you are interested in visiting the school to see first hand how Davie High is addressing its dropout problem, please contact Dr. Linda Bost at 336.751.5905 or by email at bostl@dhs.davie.k12.nc.us.
Instructional Delivery:
- Block Scheduling - Davie High has found block scheduling has decreased the dropout rate and increased end-of-course test scores. Shorter semester hours have a positive effect on student retention of material. It also gives students second chances to master the material.
- Dual Enrollment - Students can take classes at Davidson Community College and receive both high school and college credits.
- Work-Study - Gives students real-world experience as well as teaches them how to be good employees.
- Foundation Algebra - Allows at-risk students to experience success as they move along the different units. Mastery equals higher self-esteem.
- Freshman Success - Helps freshmen orient to high school and makes for a smoother transition from middle school. A community project is a requirement for all students.
- Varied Curriculum - For many students, taking electives is the only reason they come to school.
Going Above and Beyond:
-NC Competency Academy - For those students who have not passed the state's Competency Test, an academy is held during the school day offering mathematics and reading instruction. Teachers volunteer to tutor students in small group settings.
- Additional Opportunities:~ Math Connections helps students failing in math competency.
~ Aces & Second Chance - Students who repeatedly fail core subjects are placed in this in-house alternative school where they benefit from small classes and individual instruction.
~ Driver's Ed Program - An ESL teacher is assigned to work with this class and assist with instruction.
~ Library TLC - At-risk students are mentored in the library.
~ Davie Dance - New dance class for those students who have never taken dance. Another way to keep students interested in school.
After-School Approach:
-Community support clubs - Youth council helps with community projects.
- Sports study sessions - Students participating in sports must participate in study halls.
- Activity additions~ Step Team - Precision step team has resulted in at-risk students significantly improving their grades and behavior. Team members must maintain a "C" average.
~ Rifle & Raider Team - Sponsored by the JROTC program.
~ Talent Show - Students audition for prizes and money.
The Personal Touch:
- Guidance Counselors - Meet with all students to ensure progress.
- Boot Camp - In-school suspension program. Students do homework and strenuous physical activity. Students do not want to repeat this experience.
- Athletic Coaches - Called "opportunity time." Athletes who get in trouble experience same regime as in Boot Camp.
- Specialized Counselors - One counselor is devoted to work with Behaviorally and Emotionally Disabled students.
- Resource Officer - Works hard to keep crime and drugs out of school. Recently started a law-enforcement club - creating another niche for students.
- Student Tutoring - Peer tutoring has been very successful.
Administrative Additions:
- Safe Schools Plan - School takes student reports seriously. The School Resource Officer has established a private, confidential phone line for students to report problems.
- Attendance Monitoring and Make-up - At the student's third absence, an attendance letter is sent home. Students are offered opportunities to make up missed time after school or during Saturday classes.
- Creative Scheduling - Help find a curriculum that meets a student's niche - giving them reasons to stay in school.
- Administration & Teacher Availability - Students requesting help are never turned away.
- Specialty Classes - Internet and satellite classes; ESL Sheltered Class; and Exceptional Children's Program (children are mainstreamed as much as possible).
North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction
301 N. Wilmington St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-807-3300
