1. Christopher Hottel, Superintendent
Michelle L. Papanicolau, Director of Adult Education
May 13, 2009 1

2. Dropout Intervention Overview
I. Introduction: Dropout Data and Nashua’s
Success
II. Context: What is the Challenge?
III. Reasons for Success
IV. Initiatives
V. The Road Ahead
May 13, 2009 2

3. Dropout Data and Nashua’s Success
May 13, 2009 3

4. May 13, 2009 4

5. Context: What are the Challenges?
 Identifying priorities for District
 Support through District policies and procedures
 Ensure flexibility
 Coordinating in-district programs and services with out-of-
district programs, services, and agencies
 Fiscal challenges/unfunded mandates
 Identifying at-risk factors:
 Poor literacy skills
 Poor academic performance
 Lack of parent involvement
 Alcohol/drug abuse; mental health issues; teen pregnancy
 Gang violence
 Poverty
May 13, 2009 5

6. Special Education and Student Services
Budget Allocation
Special Services
$18,373,863
Student Services
Others
$65,270,927 $4,827,473
Special Services $18,373,863 20.8%
Student Services $4,827,473 5.5%
Others $65,270,927 73.8%
Total: $88,472,263 100.0%
May 13, 2009 6

7. Free and Reduced School Lunch Participation
May 13, 2009 7

8. Number of ELL Students Serviced
Over 5-Year Period
May 13, 2009 8

9. Reasons for Success
 Reorganization
 Follow the Child
 Curriculum alignment
 Dedicated funds
 Training and leadership
 Data management and integration of systems
May 13, 2009 9

10. Reorganization
 District Office
 Curriculum Director
 Accountability Director
 Student Services Director
 Grants and Community Development
 Systems Data Analyst
 Adult and Community Education Director
 Adult Education High School Diploma Program
 Summer School (Elementary and Secondary)
 Transitional Coordinator for Alternative Placement
 Curriculum and Professional Development Council
May 13, 2009 10

11. Reorganization
 High Schools
 Principal leadership
 Guidance Directors
 Assistant Principals – Year-round leadership
 Coordinated services between schools
 Student Information Coordinator
 ELL Outreach Coordinator
 Phoenix Program
May 13, 2009 11

12. Initiatives and Specific Programs
 21 Century Programs
 5th Block
 Nashua Community Adult School
 Secondary Summer School
 Coordination with City Agencies
 My Turn
 GED
 NH Scholars
 Dual Credit Opportunities
 Project Running Start
 Project Lead the Way
 Advanced Placement
May 13, 2009 12

13. Advanced Placement
May 13, 2009 13

14. Coordination with City Agencies
 Nashua Adult Learning Center
 Clearway High School
 GED Program
 Get Ready for College Program
 Nashua Youth Council
 Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselors
 Intervention programs for middle schools
 Mental health services
 Teen pregnancy services
 Bridges (domestic violence intervention)
 District Court
May 13, 2009 14

15. 21 Century Programs
st
• District operating budget
contributes $125,000
• Curriculum aligned with
State standards
• All teachers are highly
qualified
• Population served includes
the Title I eligible schools
May 13, 2009 15

16. Fifth Block Classes
• 5th Block is funded by the
Dropout Prevention Grant
• Student include those who
have failed courses during
the traditional school day
• All teachers are highly
qualified
• Courses include core
classes, CTE courses, and
extended learning
opportunities
May 13, 2009 16

17. • Organizational focus on
leadership in adult and
community education
beginning in 2007
• Adult and community
education program
coordinates alternative
educational opportunities
• Strategic communication
with potential dropouts in
and out of school
• Coordination with high
schools, guidance
administration and
counseling services
May 13, 2009 17

18. Adult Education Student Age Breakdown
• Of the 250 students
enrolled in courses, 57% are
taking academic classes for
high school credit including,
but not limited to, Nashua
High School students
• 18% are non-traditional
learners needing more than
4 years to complete a
traditional high school
diploma
• 25% are students needing
pre-requisite classes for
post secondary education
May 13, 2009 18

19. Secondary Summer School
• Middle school students
taking courses in Literacy
and Mathematics
• High school students in
credit recovery
• Academic core classes and
electives, including CTE (i.e.,
Marketing, Desktop
Publishing)
May 13, 2009 19

20. The Road Ahead: The Challenges We Face
 Persistent Problem: Currently facing 114 dropouts; 26
of whom will not reach age 18 by September 1, 2009
 Nashua’s Strategic Plan 2009-2014
 Fiscal challenges: Continued need for funding resources
 Demographic trends
 Tough Choices or Tough Times
May 13, 2009 20

21. Four Cornerstones
for Educational Improvement
1. Building Leadership
2. Shaping Belief
3. Creating Achievement
4. Celebrating Success
May 13, 2009 21