How do you keep students from falling between the cracks?

Paul Bowers

Now more than ever, schools are looking for ways to keep in touch with students who are at the highest risk of dropping out or failing academically.


We wanted to open up a discussion: What metrics do you use to keep track of which students are falling behind? Do you have certain thresholds you keep an eye out for in terms of assignment grades, course grades, absences, or behavior issues?

Vicky Lopuchowycz

I created an advanced list to pull current gradebook grades of all students who have a 75 or lower in a class so that they could be looked at more closely -- Are there frequent absences, missing assignments, are there multiple classes or is the student just struggling with the material, is the student distance learning or in the building, and whatever else might be pertinent at the time -- A group made up of Counselors, Administrators, Learning Specialists and Teachers meet and discuss the list and what to do about those students who they feel are at risk.  It also helps to catch kids who might be struggling with concepts and be able to get them some extra help.