Dropout Prevention, Retention and Graduation InitiativeAcademic Excellence :

What is the Dropout Prevention, Retention and Graduation Initiative?

The focus of the Dropout Prevention Initiative is to develop a comprehensive dropout prevention model for implementation in middle and high schools. One of the goals is to increase successful school completion for groups of students who may be at greater risk of leaving school before earning a diploma.

Using a framework of ten effective strategies and a process outlined by MDE, districts can make informed decisions about programming and approaches to ensure students graduate with a diploma and are ready for postsecondary education and work. The model is being piloted in seven school districts: Brooklyn Center, Duluth, Hibbing, Park Rapids, Red Lake, Richfield and St. Paul. Through these pilots, effective dropout prevention strategies and approaches that meet unique community needs and strengthen the quality of school-community collaborations are being researched, identified, disseminated and implemented.

Mini-Summit 2008 Locations Announced!

As an extension of Minnesota’s Summit on Youth Development and Graduation, Inspiring New Action – Inspiring New Commitment, grants were awarded to ten communities to host Mini-Summits in six regions of Minnesota. The overall goal of these Mini-Summits is to stimulate new and continued action around connecting and mobilizing youth, families, schools, communities, and local government around best practices facilitating positive youth development and outcomes – including graduation from high school. For more information about the Mini-Summits and their locations, please visit the Minnesota Alliance With Youth Website or contact Cammy Lehr.

Who are the key contacts? For more information contact:

The Dropout Prevention, Retention and Graduation Initiative is funded under the No Child Left Behind Title I, Part H Dropout Prevention Program