The Problem: The public education system is in a crucible an alarming number of students are failing to graduate or graduating ill-equipped

d to enter higher education or the workforce. The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems: Only 65.7% of Delawares high school students can expect to graduate with their peers th Delaware ranks 40 in the nation in high school completion Dropout from one years students alone will cost Delaware over $1 billion in lost wages Communities in Schools of Delaware, an Innovative and Effective Solution: What is Communities in Schools of Delaware (CISDE)? The mission of Communities in Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CISDE provides community-based and individualized services, in partnership with schools, in the form of: o Mentoring o Service Learning o Targeted resource o Counseling opportunities support o Tutoring o Case Management o and a variety of o Health needs o After-school programs other innovative o College preparation o Social development services Our empirically proven success stems from our structure.

Population: Our Students:

Gender
Male Female

Grade Level
37%
Elementary Middle

Race
16% 21% 4% 59%
Black Hispanic White

49% 51%

56% 7%

High

CISDE serves students most at risk for dropping out based on a systemic and empirical process for identifying risk factors. Such risk factors include (but are not limited to): o Chronic lateness or absence o Inability to cope with structured o Lacking interest in school and learning environment o Poor academic achievement o Facing non-academic challenges (pregnancy, poverty, etc.)

Collaboration is Fundamental CISDE partners with a variety of stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes and services for students. It organizes and brokers diverse resources and areas of expertise to provide maximum efficiency, productivity and usefulness. Volunteers and community organizations implement classes and programs, act as mentors and tutors, develop materials and assist in logistics including planning and coordination. Parents and students engage in open communication, review student records and explore college and career opportunities actively. Colleges and businesses offer internships, dual credit programs and assistantships/trainings. CISDE is Effective and Results-Driven: Every dollar invested in CIS creates $12.50 of economic benefit for the community! The average annual rate of return to society is 19.6%! Results from the 2011-2012 academic school year: Our Affiliates/School Sites High Risk CISDE-Affiliated Youth Counties Served.....3 Case Managed Students.530 Sites Served...9 Students With Level 1 Services....5,700 Estimated Parents Engaged600 Percent of Seniors Graduated...94% Estimated Community Partner.75 Seniors Attending College77% Volunteers.860 Non-Seniors Promoted .85% Volunteer Hours...6,213 Total Students Retained...7% 2012 Teacher Survey Results (N=137): 3% 3% 6% 3%
Disagree Agree
97% Strongly Agree or Agree

High Risk Student Goal Progress Students Improving Behavior61% Students Met Academic Goals..68% Students Met Attendance Goals..58% Improved Commitment to School.72%

14%

14%
86% Strongly Agree or Agree 86% Strongly Agree or Agree

68% 29%

97% Strongly Agree or Agree

58% 39%

97% Strongly Agree or Agree

61% 25%

52% 34%

64% 30%

94% Strongly Agree or Agree

51%

Strongly Agree

46%

CIS Helped Improve Student Academics

CIS Helped Improve Student Attitude

CIS Helped Improve Student Attendance

CIS Helped Improve Student Behavior

CIS Helped Improve Student Personal Issues

CIS Helped Student Access to Resources

2012 Student Survey Results (N=323): 6% 9% 35%

85% Strongly Agree or Agree

6% 15% 29%
79% Strongly Agree or Agree

8% 18% 27%
74% Strongly Agree or Agree

6% 9% 27%
85% Strongly Agree or Agree

Unsure Disagree Agree Strongly Agree

50%
CIS has helped me improve my grades

50%

47%
CIS has helped me improve my behavior

58%
CIS has helped me plan for my future

CIS has helped me improve my attendance

The Most Effective Dropout Prevention Organization in America (2011) o In 2011, the largest and most comprehensive evaluation of dropout prevention programs ever administered was completed Findings: CIS is the most effective program aimed at reducing dropout rates and increasing graduation rates CIS is effective across geographic areas, school settings and student races and ethnicities The more carefully the CIS model is implemented, the stronger the effects and results In Conclusion The CIS model is an established process for promoting positive outcomes for youth by mobilizing community assets to address identified needs; including academic and personal success, supportive pathways to college, and preparation for the workforce.