Dropout Prevention Program Proves Successful

Shallotte, Leland, Supply, NC (July 16, 2012) – When you’re 14 years old, struggling to make sense of the world while trying to get through middle school, success can come in many forms. Sometimes it’s making the AB Honor Roll a year after having all D’s. Sometimes it’s discovering a love of reading and receiving books to take home over summer vacation. Sometimes it’s learning to play the guitar. For students participating in the Communities In Schools Action for Success Dropout Prevention Program, it can be any of these things and more.

The program, offered at Cedar Grove, Leland and Shallotte Middle Schools, utilizes Success Coaches to case manage selected students and increase their chances of graduating from high school on time. “This is a joint effort with the schools,” says Linda Rumsey, Dropout Prevention Director. “We partner with the schools to bring in additional needed resources to help students succeed.  Whether it’s math assistance, eyeglasses, or a caring person to talk to, when these basic needs are met, students can concentrate on what’s really important – learning – and educators can concentrate on teaching." 

Results from this year's program reflect that 66% of Action For Success students improved academically; 80% improve in behavioral related issues; 98% were promoted to the next grade level.  A lot of the success comes through parent involvement support.  “We are starting to make great strides engaging parents in student's lives,” says Rumsey. “We make it a point to call parents on a regular basis to let them know about their child's performance.” 

CIS is working diligently to expand the program. “We’d like to be in every school, helping students every step of the way to graduation,” says Rumsey. Volunteers are needed to help with tutoring/mentoring and bringing needed resources to the students.  For more information, call 253-5327x1434 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.

Souce: Communities in Schools- Brunswick County