Heather Silva Allison Balladares Miami-Dade County Public Schools ESE Teachers- QUEST Program Howard...
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Dropout Prevention Through Career Exploration Program Heather Silva Allison Balladares Miami-Dade County Public Schools ESE Teachers- QUEST Program Howard A. Doolin Middle School
Heather Silva Allison Balladares Miami-Dade County Public Schools ESE Teachers- QUEST Program Howard A. Doolin Middle School
Heather Silva Allison Balladares Miami-Dade County Public
Schools ESE Teachers- QUEST Program Howard A. Doolin Middle
School
Slide 3
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOCUS Dropout Interventions in
Miami-Dade County Dropout Interventions in Miami-Dade County High
Schools & Dropout-Response to State Corrective Action High
Schools & Dropout-Response to State Corrective Action
Leveraging SWPBS & Dropout Prevention Leveraging SWPBS &
Dropout Prevention Dropout Prevention for Students with
Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD) Dropout Prevention for
Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD) Next Steps
Next Steps
Slide 4
Miami-Dade County: PBS School Trainings October 2007: 3-day
training conducted by National Dropout Prevention Center for
Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD) October 2008: One-day PBS Team
Training Presentations by: NDPC-SD PBS Dropout Prevention
Attributes Parental/Family Involvement Attendance FLPBS RtIB
Project Miami-Dade County Public Schools Parent Academy 2008 and
2009 PBS Share Fair Presentation
Slide 5
Leveraging Resources SWPBS in Miami-Dade County Total of 21
schools Three Elementary Ten Middle Two K-8 Center One High School
Four Alternative Ed. One Special Ed. Center School
Slide 6
Miami-Dade County: PBS Outdoor Suspension Data School 04-05
05-06 06-07 07-0808-09* Charles Drew Mid. ---- ---- 486 309 521
Westview Mid. ---- 772 395 439 368 Jose de Diego Mid. 107 273 384
325 277 Howard Doolin Mid. ---- 188 201 135 87 YWAACD at JRE Lee
---- 901 530 233 366 YMAACD at MacArthur S. ---- 163 112 384 278
Campbell Drive Elem. ---- ---- 115 165 57 Coconut Palm K-8 ----
---- ---- ---- 82 Leisure City K-8 ---- 302 339 267 125 Homestead
Mid. ---- 561 556 197 281 Redland Mid. ---- 1,493 1,016 773 595 *
As of 5-4-09, M-DCPS COGNOS Report
Slide 7
Miami-Dade County: PBS Schools Attendance Data/Percentage
School 07-0808-09* Charles Drew Mid. 94.0292.33 Westview Mid.
94.7494.20 Jose de Diego Mid.92.1392.97 Howard Doolin Mid.
95.5695.89 YWAACD at JRE Lee 83.3480.69 YMAACD at MacArthur S.
77.1578.77 Campbell Drive Elem. 93.9294.66 Coconut Palm K-8
Center-------95.52 Leisure City K-8 Center95.9395.98 Homestead Mid.
96.17 96.06 Redland Mid.93.4892.76 * As of 5-4-09, M-DCPS COGNOS
Report
Slide 8
Why do we need a program like this? As high school approaches,
it is important that we help our students with emotional and
behavioral disabilities immerse themselves in career exploration.
High school transition is an important time for our students. Young
people with disabilities drop out of high school at twice the rate
of their peers. Enrollment rates of students with disabilities in
higher education are still 50 percent lower than enrollment among
the general population. Studies show that one reason students drop
out of school is due to failure to understand the connection
between what they are learning and future work opportunities.
Students may also be unaware of what career options are available
to them. Career exploration has been proven to decrease dropout
rates by introducing at-risk students to career options.
Slide 9
Some Facts While dropping out of school is the most visible
indication of students disengagement from school, many students who
stay in school attend irregularly, exert only minimal effort, or
display indifference, inattentiveness, boredom, and in some cases,
disruption and defiance (Butod, 2008; Learning Point Associates,
2007; National Academy of Sciences, 2005; Tomlinson, 1992). Many
factors contribute to students lack of engagement. For example,
school work may be too difficult or too boring, teachers may be too
demanding or provide few challenges, or students may not see the
connection between school learning and their outside lives. (Maine
Center for Meaningful Engaged Learning, 2008; Long et al., 2007;
Budge, 2000; Hidi & Harackiewicz, 2000; Hootstein, 1994).
Research has shown that students are more motivated to learn when
they understand their education is personally relevant to their
interests and goals. Teachers should draw clear connections between
what students are learning and real-life situations and explain why
topics or activities are worthwhile (Kelly, 2009; Maine Center for
Meaningful Engaged Learning, 2008; Malouff et al., 2008; Waxler,
2007; Atherley, 2002; Brewster & Fager, 2000; Center for
Excellence in Teaching, 2000; Hidi & Harackiewicz, 2000;
McCombs, 1991).
Slide 10
Students are more likely to engage fully when they recognize
the link between effort and outcome. When students learn to
associate their hard work with accomplishments and success, they
will be more motivated to participate in learning activities
(Sasson, 2007; Waxler, 2002; Hughes, 1995). Allowing students to
engage in active, hands-on learning is an engaging and motivational
teaching method (Maine Center for Meaningful Engaged Learning,
2008; Malouff et al., 2008; Portal & Sampson, 2001; Davis,
1993). Research suggests that students motivation increases when
they are given as much control over their own learning as possible,
within the constraints of the educational setting. Allowing
students to take part in the decision- making process and giving
them an active role in their own learning has been found to foster
intrinsic motivation (Maine Center for Meaningful Engaged Learning,
2008; Vanderbilt University, 2008; Bartholomew, 2007; Jalongo,
2007; Solmon, 2006; Bradford, 2005; Northwest Educational
Technology Consortium, 2005; Atherley, 2002; Hidi &
Harackiewicz, 2000). Teachers enthusiasm about teaching and
learning has been shown to have a positive effect on students
motivation. When teachers arent interested, students will not be
interested. Material should be presented with energy and
enthusiasm. Experts suggest that teachers vary volume, voice pitch,
and tone; speak in an expressive way; move about while teaching;
and make eye contact with their students (Malouff et al., 2008;
Vanderbilt University, 2008; Deci, as cited in Education Week,
2006; Portal & Sampson, 2001; Center for Excellence in
Teaching, 2000; McCall, 1999; Kane & Warner, 1997; Davis,
1993). *Special thanks to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Department of Research Services for the facts provided.*
Slide 11
Social interaction is a strong intrinsic motivator. It allows
students to compare their abilities, opinions, and emotions to
those of their peers and tends to generate further interest in
academic topics (National Academy of Sciences, 2005; Weller, 2005;
Luna et al., 2002; Center for Excellence in Teaching, 2000).
Students who feel confident about their skills and abilities tend
to be more motivated than those with lower levels of
self-confidence (Butod, 2008; National Academy of Sciences, 2005;
Portal & Sampson, 2001; Baldes et al., 2000). Severe anxiety is
incapacitating and students who feel anxious in class are not
motivated to learn (Sasson, 2007; Martin, 2003; Portal &
Sampson, 2001; Center for Excellence in Teaching, 2000).
Slide 12
How does our program work? To lower the dropout rates and to
help students recognize their career options, we have started a
Dropout Prevention Through Career Exploration Program. Students
involved in this program go on several educational field trips, as
well as attend presentations which exposes them to career and
educational opportunities as well as the reality of dropping out.
We wrote a grant through Project10: Transition Education Network
which will cover the expenses of running the program and traveling
with the students for one school year.
Slide 13
We believe this program will improve the following aspects of
our students future: Connect Learning to Students Future: Our
program shows them what skills they need in order to have the
career they want. Students are more motivated to learn when they
understand their education is personally relevant to their
interests and goals. When students make connections with their
education and how it can apply to their future lives, they will be
more motivated to learn. Tie Effort to Success: Our program allows
students to explore their opportunities and recognize the link
between their effort at school and the opportunities they explore
for their future. Students are more likely to engage fully when
they recognize the link between effort and outcome. Create Control
of Personal Learning: In our program, students have control over
their career exploration. Allowing students to take part in the
decision-making process and giving them an active role in their own
learning has been found to foster intrinsic motivation. Promote
Confidence: Our program allows students to recognize their
potential and how to apply it to their future. Students who feel
confident about their skills and abilities tend to be more
motivated than those with lower levels of self-confidence. Reduce
Stress: Students who know what to expect after graduating from high
school and are aware of their options for the future do not have
anxiety about the unknown. Our program reduces the anxiety they may
have about their future by preparing them for the transition to
high school and their careers.
Slide 14
We believe this program will improve the following aspects of
our students future: Increase Employment: The students in the
program learn about positive work ethics and employability skills
that will benefit them when they enter the work force. Increase
Post-Secondary Enrollment: The students self- esteem and self-worth
are affected positively and they feel successful in school and are
less likely to drop out. Raise School/Community Participation: The
students take field trips within the community to explore their
school and career options. The field trip destinations become
partners in their education and assist us with informing the
students about their many options in education and career studies.
Increase Parental Involvement: Parents/Guardians are kept informed
about their childs exploratory studies and become a part of the
Dropout Prevention Team as they learn about the career and
educational options available to their child.
Slide 15
Dropping Out! The Harsh Reality! In order for our program to be
meaningful and have a greater impact on our students, our goal is
to expose our students to the harsh reality of dropping out of
school. What happens to students who drop out? Students who drop
out are often attracted to the negative and glamorized lifestyles
of gangs, drugs, and alcohol. Our programs presentations and field
trips expose our students to this reality first hand.
Slide 16
So Now You Know You Dont Want To Dropout. So What Do You Want
To Do? Recognize your potential! Seize your opportunities! Never
give up! After our students experience the harsh reality of
dropping out, we expose them to various opportunities and career
options available for them. We explore career and school options
and then gain hands on experience and knowledge through field trips
and presentations.
Slide 17
Dropout Prevention Through Career Exploration Program Schedule
2009-2010: * Program was implemented during the third nine weeks of
the school year.* January 21st- Career Presentation - Police
Officer 10-11 a.m. January 29th- Dropout Prevention Presentation -
Jail Is Hell 10-11 a.m. March 23rd- Dropout Prevention
Presentation/Gang Prevention - PanZOu Project 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
April 13th - Dropout Prevention Presentation /Preventing Drunk
Driving & Drug Use 10-10:45 a.m. April 16th- Career
Presentation - Firemen/Fire Truck 10-11 a.m. April 19- Career Field
Trip - Fire Station Tour 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26- Dropout
Prevention Presentation - Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade 10-11
a.m. May 7- Dropout Prevention Field Trip - Jail Is Hell 10 a.m. -
1 p.m. May 12 - Career Presentation Power 96 11-12 p.m. May 14-
Career Presentation - Homestead Air Force Base 10-11 a.m.
Slide 18
Career Presentation - Police Officer Detective Enrique Cuevas
from the Miami-Dade Police Department visited our school to give a
presentation about his career as an officer as well as other
possible careers in law enforcement. Student Reflections: I learned
that you need to have a clean background to be a police officer. I
learned that if you make a bad decision about your life it is never
to late to change. I felt inspired about becoming a police officer.
It would be awesome to work in the field and have that much
responsibility. The presentation was so cool. I learned all of the
things I need to do. I want to be an FBI agent!
Slide 19
Dropout Prevention Presentation - Jail is Hell Jail is Hell is
a program where correctional staff and inmates share their
experiences in an attempt to discourage children from a life of
drugs, alcohol and guns. Many of the students who drop out or are
in danger of dropping end up behind bars. They came and shared
their stories with our students. Student Reflections: When I was
there I felt like I shouldnt drop out because I dont want to be
like the inmates. I was frightened when the cop made all those
prisoners come and tell their stories. I have never met a man in
person who has actually killed another man. I will never go to
jail! Jail is scary! I felt bad for the two criminals because they
slipped and fell on their way in life and made mistakes that they
will regret for their whole life. If you do bad stuff you will get
caught someday and be punished big time. I learned that jail is
really hell! Breaking the law will send you there! I want to stay
in school and away from jail!
Slide 20
Dropout Prevention Presentation Gang Prevention - PanZOu
Project The PanZOu Project is comprised of previous gang members
and their mission is to prevent gang and youth violence. They came
and presented their real life stories to the students. Student
Reflections: I learned that dropping out of school is the dumbest
thing you can do. If you drop out, you will not get a good job, you
cant buy a house, and you might be tempted to join a gang. If you
join a gang you will end up in jail or dead. After this
presentation, I will never drop out of school! I learned about the
life of three ex-gang members. The word PanZOu means to prevent bad
in Creole. After watching this presentation, I saw that gang life
was much worse than I ever imagined! If you join a gang you will be
hiding the rest of your life! I do not want to live that way!
Slide 21
Dropout Prevention Presentation Preventing Drunk Driving &
Drug Use Many of the students who drop out or are in danger of
dropping out are attracted to the negative lifestyle of using drugs
and alcohol. Our guest speakers, Jessica and her mother did a great
job of telling their tragic story to prevent the students from
using drugs and alcohol. Student Reflections: "When she was
explaining what happened to her, I saw the real deal about drugs
and alcohol. Many people try to pressure me into using drugs. They
only tell you things that make you think it is good. I am sure I
will stay drug and alcohol free no matter what!" "I felt shocked
and sad after the presentation. If you make those mistakes, you may
never forgive yourself. You may lose everything you value and love.
It will be gone forever!"
Slide 22
Student Reflections: "A wonderful presentation! The firemen
even let us use the firehouse to demonstrate the pressure. I was
happy to see my future. I would love to become a firefighter!" "The
firemen told us how to become a fireman and to get an education.
They showed us the fire suit and the jaws of life. I think it was
the greatest day of my life!" " I learned how to operate the hose
and things on the fire truck. The firemen told us how important it
is to stay in school so that you can get a good job that you like.
They helped us learn how important it is to learn in life." Career
Presentation Firemen/Fire Truck The firemen of Miami-Dade Station
#56 came to our school with their fire truck and equipment. They
were so hands on and really let the children explore all aspects of
their job!
Slide 23
Career Field Trip-Fire Station Tour We toured Fire Station # 56
as a follow up to our presentation. The Students enjoyed hearing
more about the job and getting the details about the station, work
hours, and pay. We finished our tour just as they received an
emergency call and got to see them leave in action! Student
Reflections: I was amazed at how much of a team they are. They are
close like a family! I learned that fire fighter/EMTs get paid
$60,000 to start! Every certification they have gets them 5% more
in pay! After this field trip I think I want to be a female fire
fighter! When there is an emergency they are out of the station and
ready to go in only 40 seconds! The fire fighters from station #56
went to Haiti after the earthquake to help. That is great!
Slide 24
Dropout Prevention Presentation- Youth Crime Watch Student
Reflections: I learned that if you have a conflict, violence is not
the answer! Using violence only makes the problem worse. I learned
that teasing and playing around can be taken the wrong way. You
dont know how someone will react. I learned how violence starts and
how it can be prevented. Bullying leads to a lot of violence. Kids
who are bullied can go crazy because they can't handle it. A
representative from the Youth Crime Watch Organization came to give
our students a presentation about preventing bullying and
violence.
Slide 25
Dropout Prevention Field Trip Jail is Hell Student Reflections:
I was terrified of what I saw in jail! If I ever think of doing
something illegal I will remember this experience and think twice!
My experience in jail was like a day in hell! I know why they call
it Jail is Hell now! I dont want to be there. They have no rights
to do anything, and a lot of them dropped out. It smelled bad and
was really crowded and dirty! I am never going to be in there! Our
students toured the Pretrial Detention Center as a follow-up to
their Jail is Hell presentation. The Pre- Trial Detention Center is
a booking facility, which processes and houses all classifications
of inmates. These range from traffic offenders to capital
offenders.
Slide 26
Career Presentation Local Radio Station Power 96 Student
Reflections: The people from Power 96 told us how important school
is if you want a cool career like theirs! I learned that you should
use your interests to find a job that you will love. You have to
start thinking about it while you are in school. They told us one
of them couldnt even read until she was our age because she had a
disability! Now she has a Masters Degree and a super cool job!
Local radio station star Nikki Ramirez and the her staff from Power
96 came to our school with their Mobile Power 96 Van and gave the
students a fun and exciting career presentation!
Slide 27
Career Presentation Homestead Air Force Student Reflections:
Air Force pilots make over $100,000 a year and get to fly 3-4 times
a week! Major Kilroy got to live in some really cool places all
over the world! I hope he comes back. He told us to make good
choices now because they will affect us the rest of our lives. The
bad decisions limit your future! Major Kilroy was in a program just
like ours when he was our age. He didnt give up. He learned to
control his behavior and look where he is now. I can do that too!
Major Kilroy from the Homestead Air Force Base visited our school
to give a presentation about his career in the Air Force and his
experience growing up as a student in a Special Education
Program.
Slide 28
What is required from the student? The students are expected to
maintain a career and education exploratory binder where they will
compile information about the different career options they have
explored. They complete career questionnaires and exploratory
worksheets as well as a reflection after each presentation and
field trip.
Slide 29
Expected Results: How will our progress be measured? Of the 49
students involved, it is expected that there will be at least a 30%
increase on the amount of Spirit Referrals written for the positive
behavior of students within the program. Of the 49 students
involved, it is expected that there will be at least a 30% increase
in school attendance. The students will be more likely to come to
school and participate when exploring their career options and
feeling optimistic about their future (acceptable attendance will
be measured by excused absences and being present in class only,
unexcused absences will not be acceptable).
Slide 30
Attendance Results * Program was implemented during the third
nine weeks of the school year.*
Slide 31
Spirit Referrals: Positive Behavior Results * Program was
implemented during the third nine weeks of the school year.*
Slide 32
The Future of Our Program For the 2010-2011 school year, we
would like to create a lab at our school for the Dropout Prevention
Through Career Exploration Program that would be utilized by the
Social Studies classes, Social Personal classes and the QUEST
Program. This lab would go hand-in-hand with our current program.
The lab would allow us to have a hands on teaching site that could
reach more students and give them real life training experience. We
are currently looking for possible ways to fund this lab. The lab
would consist of: 6 computers with resume writing software and
internet access to job sites Bookshelves with books on career
choices, resume writing, and life skills Career Exploratory Lessons
A file cabinet containing blank job applications from various
places of employment and examples of filled out applications A TV
and DVD player along with a bookshelf containing DVDs on various
careers 3 Round Tables and 12 chairs for group work 12-16 desks for
individual work and DVD viewing Smart board for interactive career
lessons
Slide 33
Dropout Prevention Through Career Exploration Program
Prospective Schedule for 2010-2011: Dropout Prevention Field Trip-
Jail Is Hell Dropout Prevention Field Trip- Homeless Shelter
Dropout Prevention/Career Field Trip- Court House Career Field
Trip-Robert Morgan Educational Center Career Field Trip- Culinary
Arts School Career Field Trip- Homestead Air Force Base Career
Field Trip- Miami Dade College Career Field Trip- Police Station
Career Field Trip-WLRN TV Station Career Field Trip- Baptist
Hospital Dropout Prevention Presentation -Jail Is Hell Dropout
Prevention Presentation- Drug Prevention Dropout Prevention
Presentation- STD Prevention Presentation Solid Waste
Management
Slide 34
Monitoring and Evaluation Academics Attendance Course
Pass/Failure At-Risk of Retention Multiple Course Failure/FCAT
Retention Early Warning System for At-Risk Interventions
Slide 35
Monitoring and Evaluation Behavior Parental Involvement Student
Engagement ISS/OSS ODRS Activities and Interventions Define
Criteria Define Interventions Interventions
Slide 36
SUSTAINING THE EFFORT 35 National Dropout Prevention Center for
Students with Disabilities and Miami-Dade County Public
Schools
Whats Next? Provide assistance and monitor implementation of
action plans from high schools and PBS Schools Monitor school data
quarterly Provide Quarterly Reports Provide updated information
through Elluminate Sessions Dropout and mental health Stay in
School Best Practices Third Cohort: Middle Schools Continue Dropout
Prevention Booster Sessions for Previously Trained Sites 37