The California Dropout Research Project (CDRP), led by Russell Rumberger of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School, presents its findings

After 10 months of studying the state’s dropout crisis and deliberating solutions, the California Dropout Research Project’s (CDRP) Policy Committee issued a blueprint for action by the state, school districts, and schools, saying the problem requires a systemic approach. Dr. Russell Rumberger of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School, Director of the CDRP, presented the project’s findings in Sacramento to a group including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell on February 28.

Recommendations include:

What the State Should Do

Fix the “Accountability Progress Reporting” system at the state and federal levels, including the California Academic Performance Index (API), Alternative School Models Accountability Model(ASAM), and the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirement
Collect and report more useful dropout data and the progress for improving graduation rates
Develop high school reform standards and create “lighthouse” districts
Undertake middle school reform, similar to high school model
Make investments in proven dropout prevention strategies and target the most disadvantaged schools and kids
Re-examine high school graduation requirements.

What School Districts Should Do

Mobilize community to address problem
Adopt proven prevention strategies
Implement strategies with benchmarks, timelines, and outcomes
Develop and use data to monitor strategies
Partner with outside organizations for support and to help identify and monitor strategies.

What Schools Should Do

Create a personalized learning environment for students and teachers
Provide academic and social support
Provide rigorous and meaningful instruction.

The entire report is posted on the CDRP Web site.

“This report shines needed light on a problem we cannot afford to ignore,” says State Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on High School Graduation and a member of the CDRP Policy Committee. “Last week I introduced Senate Bill 1532, which would significantly increase expectations for higher graduation rates. It’s clear that those expectations have been too low for too long.”

Assembly Member Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), an alumna of the Gevirtz School and also a member of the CDRP Policy Committee, agrees. “I applaud Russ Rumberger for convening a legislative working group that can use the research he has conducted as a map for solving the dropout crisis.”

[Russell Rumberger is available for interviews; contact George Yatchisin at 805 893 5789]
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Photo Caption: (from l to r): State Assembly Member and Gevirtz School alumna Jean Fuller; CDRP Director Russell Rumberger; State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell; State Senator Darryl Steinberg; and Paul Seave, Director, Gang and Youth Violence Policy Office of the Governor’s office

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The California Dropout Research Project (CDRP), led by Russell Rumberger of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School, presents its findings