Ending the Dropout Crisis: Perspectives from the Graduation and Dropout Prevention and Recovery Commission
Monday, October 26, 2009
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Omni Parker House Hotel
Boston, MA
Presented by:
Boston Private Industry Council (PIC)/Youth Transitions Task Force
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE)
Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy
Join us for a presentation of the state’s dropout commission report and a discussion of the report’s recommendations by members of the Commission.
Session Overview
In August 2008, a new law established a state-level Graduation and Dropout Prevention and Recovery Commission. Led by Secretary of Education Paul Reville and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne Bump, the Commission has been working over the past year to examine best practices and policies both nationwide and throughout the state on such issues as: setting a goal and timeline for reducing the statewide annual dropout rate; further developing early indicator systems to identify students who are at risk of dropping out or not who are not likely to graduate on time from high school; raising the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18; and establishing a threshold annual dropout rate for each school district and requiring districts exceeding that threshold to implement a district wide action plan to reduce dropout rates.
The final report of the Commission, detailing their findings and recommendations, will be presented by Secretary of Education Paul Reville at this event. A respondent panel including members of the Dropout Commission will share their perspective on and reactions to the final report. Respondents have also been asked to comment on potential next steps to ensure that the Commission report leads to action on the topic. The event will conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers from the audience.
Opening Remarks
Jill Norton, Executive Director, Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
Presentation of the Final Report of the Statewide Dropout Commission
Paul Reville, Secretary, Executive Office of Education
Moderated Panel Discussion (Additional panelists to be confirmed)
- Suzanne Bump, Secretary, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Mitchell Chester, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Marie St. Fleur, State Representative
- Carol Woodbury, Superintendent, Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District
Moderator:
- Cassius Johnson, Director of Education Policy, Jobs for the Future
Closing Remarks
Neil Sullivan, Executive Director, Boston Private Industry Council
