Session Overview

Across Massachusetts and throughout the country, greater accuracy in the reporting of graduation rates has drawn increased attention to the dropout crisis. In Massachusetts, just 81% of the Class of 2007 graduated in four years.

A new law, passed in August 2008, established a broad-based commission charged with studying a number of issues relative to the dropout crisis including alternative pathways and compulsory age. The commission provides an opportunity for policymakers and educators to look closely at strategies, policies and practices in schools and districts to support learners at risk of dropping out of high school.

To further inform this discussion, the Rennie Center has conducted new research on schools and districts that have reduced their dropout rates over the past four years. Based on interviews with superintendents and principals, this brief reveals common themes that are proving effective in preventing and recapturing dropouts.

At this event, Mitchell Chester, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will discuss recently released graduation rates for the Class of 2008 and describe some of the Department’s initiatives for reducing the number of dropouts in the Commonwealth. Next, the Rennie Center will release its policy brief, after which a panel will discuss promising practices in an effort to encourage the exchange of ideas between schools and districts throughout the Commonwealth. Closing remarks will be provided by Neil Sullivan, Executive Director of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC).

To view photos from this event, click here.

Overview of State Data and Policies to Address Dropouts
Mitchell Chester, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Research Presentation
Jill Norton, Executive Director, Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy

Moderated Panel Discussion

• Howard J. Eberwein, Superintendent, Pittsfield Public Schools
• Representative Patricia Haddad, Chair, Joint Committee on Education, Massachusetts State Legislature
• Jermaine Hamilton, Recent Graduate, Log School
• Douglas McNally, Principal, Taconic High School, Pittsfield
• Patricia Connors, Principal, Plymouth South High School
• Adria Steinberg, Vice President, Jobs for the Future

Moderator: Laurita Crawlle, Director, Community Impact, United Way of Massachusetts Bay

Closing Remarks
Neil Sullivan, Executive Director, Boston Private Industry Council

REGISTRATION
Call the Rennie Center reservation line at 617-354-0002, ext. 13 or register online using the registration form below. Registration is free, however space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

 

About the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
The Rennie Center's mission is to develop a public agenda that informs and promotes significant improvement of public education in Massachusetts. Our work is motivated by a vision of an education system that creates the opportunity to educate every child to be successful in life, citizenship, employment and life-long learning. Applying nonpartisan, independent research, and civic engagement, the Center is creating a civil space to foster thoughtful public discourse to inform and shape effective policy.