I work at the high school level and have seen high numbers of students drop out or really just disappear. In the last few years, our district has concentrated efforts in reducing the numbers of these drop outs. Our district shared with us students that are at high risk and it was shocking to hear it usually starts in the early grades. For example, missing a month or more of school in the primary grades, entering 3rd grade without strong reading skills, and lack of positive school experience. I think it was shocking to me because I have always taught at the high school level and never went that far back to explain why students drop out. Our district did inform us that “the middle grades and the first two years of high school are key indicators to identify the majority of students at highest risk of dropping out (San Diego Unified School District, 2016)”.If we pay attention to the “ABC’s of dropout prevention- attendance, behavior, and course performance” we could implement a variety of prevention and intervention strategies to decrease the high numbers of dropouts. My district has implemented a variety of strategies to reconnect with these students that are at risk. One program that I have seen in action is called “Check and Connect”. These are resource teachers that work directly with at risk students. At my site, I have one student that meets with her Check and Connect teacher at least once a week. They look over her grades, attendance, and behavior and create a solid plan to address any issues. The Check and Connect teacher collaborates with all the classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure the student is successful. Just today, the Check and Connect teacher asked to take our student to meet with the Principal. She has had some significant attendance issues that were due to an unstable home life. Despite these issues, the student was able to persevere with her education and completed all the requirements needed for a high school diploma. Unfortunately, we have an attendance policy that prohibits students from walking in graduation if there is a high rate of absences. The check and connect teacher was advocating for this student’s right to walk in graduation and asked for this special meeting to explain the unusual circumstances. I know our Principal and I know he fully understands the idea of equity and fairness so I am thinking he will allow her to walk. Questions: I am curious to hear what types of programs your district offers for at risk students? Have these programs experienced success in decreasing the amount of drop out rates? San Diego Unified School District. (2016). Retrieved from: https://www.sandiegounified.org/dropout-prevention-and-attendance-initiatives