Los Angeles School District - Making a Move in Fighting Dropout Problems

The program My Future, My Decision wasAlternative communication channels include the specific
implemented by LAUSD's Dropout Prevention andwebsite, peer to peer social networking and cell phone
Recovery staff and supporters. It integrates atexting.
comprehensive approach in reducing dropout rates. ItThere is also higher educational institutions partnership.
focuses on the problems and needs of potentialIt aims to expand educational programs for high school
dropouts to regain schooling. It is committed to assiststudents of the Los Angeles Community College
and counsel students to earn a diploma.District.
A study shows that one out of three high schoolIn fixed programs for professional development, the
students fail to graduate. Many students have lowstaff works directly with at-risk students. They use the
self-esteem that they give up midway in theirParent-Student Resource Guidebook to support and in
schooling.explain educational options.
The growing number of dropouts will make them fourWhen necessary, they visit door to door to reach out
times more likely to be unemployed. A school dropoutto the students. They counsel and explain how they
is more likely to become a prisoner, living in poverty,can complete course credits and other requirements.
unhealthy, and divorced. He does not vote andThe expanded youth employment program promotes
participate in the community. He ends up in low payinglearn to earn year-round programs with the help of the
jobs also.mayor's office and civic organizations. It gives them the
The Los Angeles Unified School District campaignsopportunity to work while studying.
vigorously to solve this problem. It extends an outreachNetwork development provides educational options
effort through student-friendly communications likewhile working such as independent study program,
radios, text messaging and peer to peer networkingalternative education work centers, 6 education career
sites. It has developed several programs to encouragecenters, 56 community day schools and 18 adult
students to finish school.schools.
One program is the Appointment of (DPA) DiplomaOther elements include a new parental notification
Project Advisers and (PSA) Pupil Service andsystem, online credit recovery classes and accurate
Attendance Counselors. It provides the placement ofmapping and tracking systems for dropout rates.
80 DPAs and 300 PSAs in schools having highAnother program option is the collaboration of
dropout rates. They help develop and implementcommunity based organizations and officials.
individual educational blueprints. DPAs and PSAIn the end, students agree that dropping is a big
counselors work with the school staff to developmistake. A poll released by the National Governors
incentive programs like providing a quarterly parentAssociation in 2005 found out that young people who
meeting and intervention services upon enrollment.still want to go to college has a rate of 87 percent. Los
The newer campaign is called My Future, My Decision.Angeles Unified School District is hoping for a big
It taps the students for personal responsibility throughchange, hoping to give students a better future.
multimedia broadcast and communication channels.