The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network at Clemson University recently conducted a study on the EOS program to evaluate its effectiveness.
EOS was identified as a model program for dropout prevention, receiving the highest research rating of Strong Evidence of Effectiveness. Dr. Ed Lentz, University of Cincinnati (2011), cited “The fact that EOS assists two groups of students who either would not be educated for at least a semester (expellees) or who have already dropped out of school is commendable.”
“Since its inception, nearly 90 percent of students beginning EOS have completed the program; a program, it is noted, with very strict standards of conduct,” Lentz said in his report. “Outcomes for those completing the program are highly positive and far better than those not completing the program. This fact adds weight to a conclusion that EOS has prevented very negative educational outcomes. Success with these groups has proven very difficult in general; yet, EOS success is clear and is repeated every academic year.”
The program focuses on supporting a student’s need to maintain an adequate rate of academic progress, maintain consistent attendance, improve motivation for school success by decreasing incidents of repeated failure and feelings of alienation, assure ongoing adult support and mentoring/coaching, address mental health, substance use, delinquency and/or deviant disruptive behavioral concerns.
EOS is committed to maintaining high expectations and standards, focusing on helping students to meet expectations, and involving them in meaningful learning opportunities to encourage responsibility while maintaining the use of positive behavioral practices and disciplinary alternatives that support ongoing student engagement.
By continuing to build partnerships with community-based individuals to engage students in opportunities to contribute to their community, EOS creates and maintains resources and services that address issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and family conflict. District officials involve parents to the fullest extent possible in order to promote positive socialization and adjustment for adolescents.
Today the EOS program continues to improve the graduation rate, attendance rate, and the district’s overall ability to connect with and motivate the disenfranchised student who may often be contributing to issues surrounding efforts to provide safe, positive learning environments for all students.
Each student has a choice to attend the EOS program, which is really what’s important. This program has and continues to inspire and prepare students for life, supporting them with college preparation or career exploration to get them to the next level.
Dr. Scott Ebbrecht is the Director of Alternative Education and Assessment for Westerville City Schools. He serves as a school administrator, an organizational leadership consultant and public speaker on meeting the needs of disenfranchised students, school improvement planning and conducting cultural analyses within organizations.
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