Dropout Prevention and Retrieval

Since adopting dropout prevention in 2002 as a key plank in High Skills, High Wages, the Workforce Board has worked with the Governor's office, the Legislature, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and other partners to develop and implement a systemic approach to preventing dropouts and increasing high school graduation rates.

2010 Legislation
Legislation in 2010 further advanced Washington's dropout prevention, intervention and reengagement system. SB 6403 directs the OSPI in collaboration with the state-level workgroup , design and recommend a comprehensive dropout reduction initiative.HB 1418 creates a statutory framework for a statewide dropout re-engagement system that will provide education and services to older youth who have dropped out of school or are not expected to
graduate from high school by the age of 21.

The Approach
Demonstration projects and research show that graduation rates can be increased through a concerted effort by school/community partnerships that build a system of tiered interventions that include:

• Prevention -Activities and programs for all students, including career and technical education, career guidance and student advisories, student and parent engagement, assessment and screening school, climate and culture. etc.
• Intervention – Identifying students at-risk of dropping out and providing support so that students stay and succeed in school, including standard treatment protocols, a student assistance team and progressive levels of intervention such as education advocates or coaches.
• Recovery - Providing rapid response or reentry services to bring young people back into an educational setting and alternative school settings for students that  that help young people recover lost credits through seat time or competency testing, and coordinate services to resolve academic, social, or personal issues that inhibit successful learning.

Building Bridges Program
The state’s Dropout Prevention Initiative was originally formed  as a partnership of the Workforce Board, Employment Security Department and the OSPI and funded by discretionary federal dollars from Governor Gregoire. In 2007, legislation created the Building Bridges Grant Program which initially funded 15 local consortia that covered 36 school districts. (See initial evaluation report). Subsequently, the program has funded five additional dropout prevention partnerships.

The 2007 legislation also created a state-level workgroup to identify ways to improve dropout prevention and retrieval.

Building Bridges Reports

• January 2011--NEW REPORT!
• December 2009
• December 2009
• May 2008
• December 2005

Early Warning & Intervention System

Youth Workforce Board Page