Family & Community Students & Families Student and Secondary Support

Student Support

Student support programs work in partnership with districts, community colleges, and other organizations to help students succeed in school and be prepared for higher education, a career, and responsible citizenship. The following Department of Elementary and Secondary Education programs have a focus on Pre-K through post 12th graders who do not yet have a high school diploma, and most are a part of the Secondary School Services Unit in the Center for Student Support, Career, and Education Services. All of these programs can be a useful part of a district's comprehensive strategy to raise graduation rates and students' readiness for college and employment.

Student Support Fall Conferences

• October 1, 2009 (in Marlborough)
• October 6, 2008 (in Worcester)
• October 12, 2007 (in Sturbridge)

Below are brief descriptions of a selection of Department programs and efforts that support student engagement and success. All of these initiatives can be a useful part of a district and community's comprehensive strategy to raise graduation rates and students' readiness for college and employment. Fiscal Year 2010 allocation and continuation grant amounts for programs from the Secondary School Services Unit have been posted as well as sent to eligible entities. Visit the individual grant pages (below) for details about competitive grant opportunities as well as statewide resources and technical assistance offerings.

Programs:

	Academic Support State-funded programs designed to help students in grades 8-12 and post-12th grade (up to the class of 2003) gain the skills and knowledge needed to pass (or score at least Proficient on) the English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS tests (or retests) needed for high school graduation.
	Alternative Education State-funded programs serving "at-risk" students such as those who are pregnant/parenting, truant, suspended or expelled, returned dropouts, delinquent, or students who are not meeting local promotional requirements.
	College and Career Readiness An initiative focused on improving high schools and is coordinating efforts to improve the college and career readiness of students through a grade PK-16 strategy.
	Community Service Learning (CSL) A teaching methodology that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Federally-funded programs help districts implement this methodology.
	Connecting Activities An initiative designed to drive and sustain the statewide school-to-career system. It leverages the initial federal School to Work investment in Massachusetts that created self-sustaining Local Partnerships throughout the Commonwealth. Funds flow through the 16 local Workforce Investment Boards working in concert with their local Youth Councils to implement school-to-career policy and programming.
	Dropout Reduction Significantly reducing the number of students who drop out of school takes a combination of systematic efforts at the community, district, school, classroom, and individual student levels. This Dropout Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery site is designed to offer information and resources related to high school dropout prevention, intervention, and recovery in Massachusetts as well as nationally.
	Innovative Program Grants (Title V) Grants that fund a wide range of activities including innovation based on scientific research; the purchase of instructional, library, and media materials; and the implementation of programs to improve school, student, and teacher performance.
	McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance A legislative Act and federally-funded programs that ensure educational rights, protections, and support for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
	Pathways to Success by Age 21 (P-21) A system reform and capacity building initiative at the state and local level established to improve educational and employment outcomes of Massachusetts' most at-risk youth. By creating partnerships, analyzing data, and listening to our youth, we will work to facilitate the necessary transitions that will prepare our youth for adulthood.
	Trauma Sensitive Schools Schools that provide an environment that addresses the needs of students who have experienced trauma. State-funded grants and other resources can support these efforts.
	21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Programs Federally-funded programs operating during out-of-school hours to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities to complement students' regular academic programs.

For more information, contact unit staff or:

Rachelle Engler Bennett,
Director of Student Support

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148

781-338-3010 (phone)
achievement@doe.mass.edu