Digital Curriculum Results in Greater Success for At-Risk Students
Boston Public Schools reduces dropout rate to the lowest level since 1977
BOSTON and SEATTLE, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Public Schools announced it has reduced the annual high school dropout rate by one-third this year alone. The figure has fallen to 4.5 percent, down from 6.4 percent last year and 9.4 percent in 2006. This is the lowest drop-out rate since the district began tracking the figure in 1977. The reduction means more high school students are staying in school and are continuing on a path to graduation.
"Working with key partners, we have taken a series of dramatic steps over the past several years to change the district's thought process on students that drop out, working to both reengage with those who have left the school system and proactively seeking to prevent others from being in a position where dropping out is their course of action," said Boston School Committee Chair Michael O'Neill.
High School Director of Blended and Online Learning, Janice Manfredi attributes the decrease in part to the use of Apex Learning digital curriculum for the district's credit recovery program, which targets students most at-risk of dropping out.
In 2007 the district partnered with Apex Learning to launch its first online credit recovery program to target students most at risk of dropping out. The district wanted to work with a digital curriculum provider that could address a wide range of academic needs and support future expansion beyond credit recovery. Apex Learning was selected based on its ability to offer rigorous standards-based online courses that address the continuum of student learning needs.
"We wanted a digital curriculum that offered a high level of academic rigor and also provided learning support for our struggling students," said Manfredi. "Based on our success, we have expanded use of Apex Learning digital curriculum beyond credit recovery to include programs for dropout prevention, skill development and Advanced Placement."
Apex Learning courses provide comprehensive direct instruction with formative and summative assessment integrated throughout. Students are actively engaged in their learning and each student has the ability to move at his or her own pace, focusing on the specific content her or she has yet to master.
"We regularly hear from students taking our courses that they feel empowered and in charge of their own learning," said Cheryl Vedoe, CEO of Apex Learning. "Research shows when this occurs performance increases and learning accelerates. Students stay in school, achieve at higher levels, and earn credits toward graduation, which results in decreased dropout rates."
About Apex Learning
Nearly two decades ago Apex Learning emerged as a leader in digital learning for secondary education, developing online Advanced Placement courses to provide students who would otherwise not have access the opportunity to take rigorous, college-level courses. Recognizing the challenges schools face in meeting the needs of every student — from those struggling to stay on track for graduation to those capable of accelerating their learning — the company continues to develop innovative, digital learning solutions to support teachers and provide every student with the opportunity to excel beyond his or her expectations.
Today Apex Learning offers a comprehensive catalog of rigorous, standards-based online courses that meet high school graduation requirements. Apex Learning Comprehensive Courses are used by schools nationwide for both initial credit and credit recovery. The company's latest digital learning solution —Tutorials — are a key component of effective blended learning, providing classroom teachers with the critical resources they need to meet the needs of all students including preparation for high stakes assessments, targeted intervention and just-in-time remediation and enhanced instruction for all students.
Apex Learning, headquartered in Seattle, is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission and its courses are approved for National Collegiate Athletic Association eligibility. For more information, visit www.apexlearning.com or call 1.800.453.1454.
About Boston Public Schools
Boston Public Schools, located in Boston, Massachusetts serves 57, 000 K-12 students, 17,480 are students in 9-12 grades. The district has 24 high schools and three alternative programs. Boston Public Schools is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career and life. Our responsibility is to ensure every child has great teachers and great school leaders. In the Boston Public Schools we tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of every student. Today we remain focused on ensuring every school is one that any parent would be happy to choose.
SOURCE Apex Learning
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