High School Dropout Recovery Centers
High school dropout rates are continuing to increase in many areas in the U.S. and one
Southern California school district is trying a new approach to this problem. The district has created
what it calls "Academic Recovery Centers" in order to help students who have dropped out or
are at risk for dropping out because they have fallen behind. Not only do these centers help students
obtain their high school diploma but in some cases help them earn college credits and complete college certificate programs.
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Students at an Academic Recovery Center are required to attend two hours of school a day; however, they get to choose their two hour block of time so that it fits into their schedule. Students study independently on-line at their own pace enabling them to complete some courses in as little as two weeks. They must pass a test to earn high school credit. This schedule is ideal for many student dropouts who may have to work or take care of children. Some of them have missed more than one year of school. Working at their own pace, one course at a time, enables them to catch up quickly.
Teachers meet with students at least once a week and often times may see them daily to help with their assignments as well as to offer guidance and help with life skills. Also, teachers are there to ensure that students are completing the four hours of homework required every day. Many take electives at community colleges with each three-unit college course counting as 10 high school credits. In this way, some students may complete their high school and post secondary education at the same time.
At one recovery center, they use the COPSystem assessments to identify college areas of study and career goals. The COPS, CAPS and COPES assessments give students a comprehensive profile integrating interests, abilities, and work values and relating them to specific career clusters. Interpretive guides help students pick relevant college courses and provide them with information on skills and abilities needed
for success in their chosen fields of interest.
As an example of how this process works, one student completed a 21 unit drafting program for a college certificate while also earning seven units of high school elective credits. The student was able to identify a possible career and given a concrete way to use this knowledge to finish high school and pursue this career. With the help of the COPSystem assessments, students are motivated to stay in school and achieve their career goals.
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