A way to reduce the dropout rate - Harlingen Consolidated ISD

School Administrator, March, 2003

A move by citizens concerned about the high dropout rate in Harlingen, Texas, schools led to a partnership with the local school district that merited a state Civic Star Award for 2003.

In 1990, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District had a dropout rate of 15.9 percent. Appalled, a group of citizens offered the district's board of trustees financial and programmatic help to help reduce the rate. The group became the Harlingen Area Education Foundation and developed a collaborative relationship with the school district and school board to provide mentoring, tutoring and scholarship programs for students at risk of failure.

Since its inception, the foundation has worked with more than 2,000 students, contributing to the dramatic dedine in the dropout rate to 0.9 percent. Additionally, college scholarships totaling $243,000 have been awarded to the students.

In the summer of 1991, the foundation and school district started a tutoring and mentoring program called New Directions for at-risk senior high students. Its first event was a weekend retreat at the University of Texas at Pan American for the purpose 01 bonding, training an a explaining the expectations and commitment required of all participants. For many students, it was the first time out of the city and for most the first time on a college campus. Throughout the year, the program consists of weekly meetings between students, counselors and mentors hired by the foundation,

Mentors, now often graduates of New Directions who are attending Texas State Technical College, meet with their assigned students for regular tutoring sessions and check in with the students frequently by phone. Other programs, projects, field trips and workshops are also part of New Directions.

The foundation expanded its services when it began to sponsor the Texas Scholars program, which requires students to complete a more rigorous course of study for graduation requirements. Students who complete the requirements are honored at an awards banquet at the end of the year.

The foundation also allocates money for student-leadership and parental-involvement programs. It operates solely on the contributions of businesses and individuals in the community and works strictly with volunteers.

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:

Dr. Linda Wade, Superintendent Harlingen Consolidated ISD

1409 E. Harrison Harlingen, TX 78550

Phone: 956-427-3404

E-mail: Iwade@harlingen.isd.tenet.edu

Web: www.harlingen.isd.tenet.edu