Current Projects and Activities for 2007 - 2008
Dropout Prevention
The major focus of the Institute’s research activities during 2007-2008 will continue to involve student dropout issues and concerns. Among the factors and issues being investigated are the following: (1) effective dropout prevention programs and strategies; (2) an analysis of specific reasons why students drop out of school – differences between “early leavers” and “late leavers”; (3) a comparison of high and low dropout school districts; (4) “tracking student dropouts”; and (5) improving the efficacy of “Dropout Prevention Committees” in Maine public schools. Sponsor the Annual Dropout Prevention Summer Institute at the University of Maine.
Maine Students with Disabilities:
Dropout and School Graduate Rates
Continue to expand upon the Institute’s comprehensive database involving disability dropout and school graduation rates (7-year trend analysis by individual disability category and by individual SAU).
Improving the School Graduation Rate for All Maine Students
Continue to expand upon the Institute’s comprehensive database involving school completion and dropout rates for all Maine public school students (7-year trend analysis by SAU, county, and individual high schools).
Alternative Education
Continue to compile and analyze relevant
information involving the current status of alternative education
programs in Maine. Focus on student selection practices and overall
program design. Continue to collaborate with the Maine Department of
Education and the Alternative Education Association of Maine involving
the development and implementation of comprehensive pre-service and
in-service training programs for practicing and prospective alternative
education directors and teachers. Consult with Maine SAUs re: (1)
initiation of alternative education programs and (2) evaluation of
existing programs.
School-Wide Discipline and Student
Violence Prevention
Investigate policies and practices related
to violence and harassment in Maine public schools. Provide Maine
schools with relevant information on the development of effective
school-wide discipline policies and practices. Provide training modules
specifically dealing with student "Codes of Conduct" at the school
level.
Mental Health Services in Maine Schools
Provide information on effective models
for the delivery of mental health services to children and youth in
Maine schools. Major focus on childhood and adolescent depression.
Demographics, Statistics, and Current
Information: Children, Youth, and Families At Risk
Collect, analyze, and compile the most
recent demographic and statistical data involving youth and their
families at risk contained in national and state of Maine reports,
publications, and other relevant literature. Prepare written reports
related to this information and distribute to local, state, and federal
agencies.
Child Poverty
Continue to study the impact of poverty on
children and youth, especially as it relates to learning and adjustment
within the school setting.
Effective Educational Programs and
Strategies for Students At Risk
Continue to collect, analyze, and prepare
written products involving "effective programs and practices" involving
students at risk at both the national and the state level.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgendered Students in Maine Schools
Continue to create an awareness of major
issues, concerns, and programming needs involving gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgendered students in Maine public schools.
Consultation to Maine Department of
Education and College of Education, University of Maine
Provide information and consult with
administrators and staff involving policy, programming, and training
issues related to students at risk.
Consult to the Commissioner's Advisory
Committee on Truancy, Dropout, and Alternative Education
Active participation on Committee on a
monthly basis.
