Leadership Meeting

Presented by:Rosaura Rodriguez

Director for Guidance & AT-Risk Population

August 12-15, 2008

The Principal’s Role in Dropout Prevention:

Seven Key Principlesby Dr. Steven Edwards (February 26, 2008)

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“Who can impact the school dropout rate the most?” ask

the authors to this newest publication in the Effective

Strategies for School Improvement series. Their

answer: “Arguably, the Principal.”

By Steven W. Edwards and Rebecca Edwards

The Principal’s Role in Dropout Prevention:Seven Key Principles

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Principle One: Identify Students Early

Who are they? What does the data tell us? When do we identify a child at risk? Pyramid of intervention

Principle Two:

Closely Examine New and Existing School Policies and Procedures How do your current policies /procedures impact your most vulnerable

populations? What data do you have on the impact of the policies and procedures on

subgroups within your school? How could modifications in policies and procedures have a positive

impact on the success of ALL students?

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Principle Three:

Build Strong Community Partnerships and Personalize Your School Engage key agencies, organizations, and

businesses Create win-win partnerships Personalize by making relationships a

priority ~ Extend contact time between students and adults * Looping and teamingPrinciple Four: Reduce Social Isolation

Exposure to opportunities Connect to the business community ~ Resources ~ Services ~ Internships Opportunities to serve

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Principle Five: Manage Student Transitions

Both academic and nonacademic Looking at extending the time for students to complete

graduation requirements ~ Menu of options Interventions must meet identified needs

Principle Six: Create Options and Implement Creative Interventions

From year to year From level to level Throughout the day Be proactive with transitions

Principle Seven: Building Parent/Family Relationships

Over communicate Be proactive Work from the parents/family perspective

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Developing a Plan

Where are you now?

Be data driven.

Be honest with yourself and your school community.

Implementing the Seven Principles Do not try to do everything at once.

Look at multiple phases.

Start with an evaluation plan in mind; how will you measure success?

Keep in mind the core values of your staff.

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Educational Resource List New Releases Browse all Publications by Title Browse all Publications by Author Publication Series ~ Effective Strategies ~ Linking with Life ~ Truancy Prevention in Action Publication Types ~ Books ~ Booklets ~ Journals ~ Research Reports ~ Games ~ Videos Purchase Publications ~ Order Form

National Dropout Prevention Center/Network

Clemson University, 209 Martin Street

Clemson, SC 29631-1555

Phone # (864) 656-2599

Fax # (864) 656-0136

Email: ndpc@clemson.edu

Source: National Dropout Prevention Center/Network; Steven W. Edwards and Rebecca Edwards (The Principal’s Role In Dropout Prevention Seven Key Principle)