To:

Members, Board of Education

From:

Maurice O. Green, Superintendent
John Morris, Chief Student Services Officer

Date:

October 24, 2008

RE:

Approval of Dropout Prevention Grant Application Program Narrative

The students who are suspended at Smith are most often students who experience academic difficulty due to below grade-level reading and math skills. These students are not motivated or do not have the skills to do independent work.  During their time in out-of-school suspension, these students often fall behind in their coursework and can become discouraged upon their return to classes. 

It is believed that the services offered by the Stay Up While You’re Out program will help prevent these students from falling behind, getting more discouraged and acting in ways that will return them to suspension.  These students are at-risk for failure and dropping out but with the Stay Up While You’re Out program, they can get the help they need.  Smith has high expectations for attendance rates and for academic progress during the time in the program. 

RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the board approve the Dropout Prevention Grant Application Program Narrative for the Smith High School (Stay Up While You’re Out Program).

Attachment - Narrative