GED OPTION 2: The MPS Alternative to

Dropping Out

Presentation Team Members:Valencia Beckley, Kilmer South HS CoordinatorSheryl Knox, WHS-Expeditionary Learning CoordinatorToi Lisa Mark, Vincent CoordinatorAdrienne Woods, Alternative School Program Officer

What is GED OPTION 2?

It is a program that allows authorized districts to use GED test battery to measure proficiency in lieu of high school credits for students enrolled in an alternative education program.

Why GED Option 2?To assist a large number of at-risk students between the ages of 17-19 whose educational focus and progress had been interrupted by various factors, such as having become habitual truants, drop outs, school age parents, and/or adjudicated youth.

Who Qualifies?Student must be at least 17 years of age.Student must be at least one year behind their 9th grade class in credits earned.Student must have the ability to read at or above the 9th grade level .Student must demonstrate desire to attend school and ability to be self-motivated.

How Does It Work?• Student attends school 15 hours a week and

prepares for GED test battery. • Student must meet nine components of

program; however, may be waived from some GED tests if he/she has met graduation requirement in that subject.

• Student must maintain 90% attendance rate to remain in program.

• Students graduate with high school diploma after meeting requirements of program.

BenefitsSmaller class settingClasses are offered within a regular high school environment.Students receive a traditional high school diploma.Students are prepared for post-secondary plans.

MPS History MPS received

approval from DPI in June11, 2002.

GEDO2 program was implemented at three sites beginning the 2002-03 school year:

Kilmer South Alternative High School

Juneau Business Charter High School

South Division High School

Focus on Repeat 9th Graders

2006-07 School Year 9th Grade Data for

2006-07 School Year

9,000 9th graders3,000 of ,9000 9th graders are

repeaters

636 or 3,000 are17 years of age

or older

Focus on Repeat 9th Graders

2009-10 School Year 9th Grade Data for

2009-10 School Year

7,772 9th graders2119 of 7,772 9th graders are

repeaters

3,173 of 7,772 areOver-age for grade 9

Growth – 2006-2007

Presentation of program to high school principalsSites grew from three to elevenSites received Board funds to support program

Growth – 2007 - 2009Sites grew to 16 for 07-08 and 18 for 08-09 school

years, which consisted of comprehensive, charter, contracted and alternative schools.Continued to receive Board funds to support programsReceived 5 year Alternative Education Grant from DPI beginning 2007-08 school year.

Current Status– 2009-10Decreased to 15 sites

Focus on site success rate and number of students servedIncrease funding for each of the 10 selected sites5 of 15 sites requested continuation of program even without funds.

10 Sites received Board funds and ARRA funds.ARRA funds allow RFP for employability skills for all 15 sites..

Alignment & GrowthMonthly meetings with GEDO2 Coordinators

GEDO2 Coordinator BinderUniform checklist of student expectations

Attendance monitoring on student data baseCreation of course codes, transcript language and

other student database areasPost-secondary Planning Portfolios requirement

Summer School program began 2008

Enrollment History

2006-07 Enrollment• 238 enrolled

2007-08 Enrollment• 375 enrolled

2008-09 Enrollment• 358 enrolled

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2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

Increase in Graduates

2007 GEDO2 Graduates

• 83 graduates = 37%

2008 GEDO2 Graduates

• 183 graduates = 49%

2009 GEDO2 Graduates

• 202 graduates = 56%

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2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

PartnershipsUniversity of Wisconsin- Whitewater Talent Search ProgramMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeMilwaukee Christian Center - Youthbuild Program

Employability Skills Resources

Youthbuild ProgramManPowerSchool Advisory BoardWisCareersRFP

2008-09 - Milwaukee Job Development 2009-10 - posted

Post-secondary Planning Portfolio

Students must complete binders as a requirement for graduation. Binders should at least include the following:Entrance Paper (discuss life experiences and goals)Employment Cover Letter and ResumeLetter of Recommendation (minimum of two)College Application (minimum of 1 and optional in some cases)College Acceptance Letter (if applicable)College Entrance Exam Scores (if applicable)GED Scores (optional)Career Interest InventorySample Financial BudgetExit Paper

GED Option #2 = HOPE

Question and Answer

In Closing…..