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Breaking barriers success story - Greater Albany

September 21, 2009

West Albany High School

“Our philosophy is that no dropout is acceptable,” says Dan Jamison, West Albany High School Principal. “It’s our mind set.” The school offers at least three successful programs to reduce dropouts:

• A self-contained academy program, where students attend most of the day before venturing out for electives or other classes in the afternoon. A “cadre” of three teachers maintains close relationships with students. The academy will grow to 40 students next year.
• Jamieson replaced the automated attendance calling system, which tracked truancy, with a new twist: “I have 30 parent volunteers who come in two at a time to make calls to parents of any kid who isn’t in class,” Jamieson says, noting the program is funded by a grant from Cellular One. “We get a read-out of missing kids each day; the program also increases communication with all parents.”
• Adopting freshmen. If a student fails one or more classes, has several absences - any risk factor - Jamieson sends a personal letter to the parents. A volunteer mentor is assigned within the school, which has an immediate impact. “The key is for a caring adult to make contact, usually an employee of the school,” Jamieson says. Early data shows progress, since the school has gone from a dropout rate of 5.9 to 5.6 percent and expects a bigger drop by Oct. 2002. “We’re laying foundation now, but it’s critical to follow them through four years,” Jamieson says.

“Another key is to get kids involved in activities,” Jamieson says, noting the school offers clubs in rocketry, horse riding, skateboarding and other activities. The school also offers Spanish language instruction to staff to help communicate with Hispanic families.

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