Re-engagement efforts continue to grow across the U.S. Check out the latest from our colleagues in Chicago in this blog post from the NLC’s Andrew Moore.
All returning students undergo an intake assessment designed to identify barriers to school success, which frequently results in referrals to supportive services. A reengagement facilitator reviews the student’s transcript to determine graduation needs and develops a graduation plan. Prior to school placement, students must complete a rigorous nine-day “character development” workshop, which includes a service learning project.
I’m interested in learning more about Chicago’s “character development workshop.” Thanks to the NLC, I’ll get my chance to find out more through the national Dropout Re-engagement Network. The D2 Center directors, along with Barb Farho from the City of Omaha Office of the Mayor, met staff from the Chicago re-engagement centers last December at our annual NLC Dropout Re-engagement Network meeting. We’re looking forward to our next convening later this year. The annual meeting, along with quarterly conference calls, keeps us up to date on the latest re-engagement happenings and allow participants to ask questions and share best practices. What new cities will be present this year? Stay tuned!