In an era of growing diversity and technological innovation, we must consider the limitations of the traditional K-12 school structure. An increased emphasis on high standards and achievement demands that students’ demonstrate competency with new skills and knowledge. Students who struggle in traditional classroom settings need options that better suit their academic, and often social and economic, needs. This is especially true when considering students at risk of failing to graduate from high school. The factors influencing students’ decisions to drop out are varied and diverse, and districts can benefit from creating multiple strategies to help students earn a high school diploma. In this policy brief, the Rennie Center for Education Policy & Research aims to expand the conversation among policymakers and educators about offering multiple pathways to graduation by: identifying research-based, effective practices; describing the structure of four different district-level programs; and compiling cost estimates for replicating program strategies across the Commonwealth.
This report is part of the Roadmap to Expanding Opportunity project which looks at promising, evidence-based strategies to better support all kids in our Commonwealth.