Create a tailored curriculum
The mission of the STEP program is to help 100 percent of at-risk students get back on the path to graduation by the end of the year. For freshmen, that means earning at least two English and two algebra credits, as well as a minimum of 11 total credits. For sophomores, the goal is twice that: four English and four core math credits, as well as 22 credits minimum overall.
To achieve this, it is vital that an individualized curriculum is crafted around graduation requirements. The STEP program allows educators to identify goals, establish methods, and tailor assessments specifically towards these students in a way they have not experienced in their previous curriculums. Building strong relationships between at-risk students and educators has also proved to be the most effective tool for improving statistics and achieving success. Making a conscious effort to develop these relationships can have a major impact on students.
Additionally, MSD of Decatur Township learned that tailoring the school’s location and class schedule for the program benefited the students immensely. We held the STEP program at a separate high school and incorporated a special Wednesday schedule in which students are dismissed at 12:15 p.m. During academic hours, students participate in an hour of Response to Intervention or test preparation and then split them into two groups, based on their on-track status. On-track students earn the opportunity to play sports, draw, write, or socialize. Students who are off-track go to resource rooms to catch up on work and raise grades. Taking this approach not only encourages students to excel in classes by providing an added incentive, but gives teachers the opportunity to use the afternoon for assessment and preparation.
Collect and monitor weekly trends
You have the students. You have the curriculum in place. Now it is time to gather data, study results, and consistently monitor the trends. This is the most important step of the STEP program because it allows educators to course correct as they go, without waiting for standardized test results that can take months to receive. Specifically, STEP uses the data from the outcome of week-to-week instruction to inform decision making and intervention planning. Using this weekly collected data, your administration can track student-performance trends such as grade point average, discipline, and interaction. This allows educators to implement strategies and lesson plans on a weekly basis that are tailored toward the students’ specific needs.
A brighter future
Through rigorous research, consistent trend tracking, and comprehensive data training, school districts will be able to better support students on their path to graduation. The key to increasing graduation rates is to provide students with the tools, compassion, and understanding they need to realize their potential. From there, your administration can help encourage its students to take advantage of these provided resources and move toward building their best life.
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