704 KAR 7:070. Guidelines for dropout prevention programs.
RELATES
TO: KRS 158.148
STATUTORY
AUTHORITY: KRS 156.035, 156.070, 158.148
NECESSITY,
FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 158.148 directs the Kentucky Board of Education
to establish criteria for the development of dropout prevention programs and
grant awards based upon available appropriations from the General Assembly.
This administrative regulation prescribes the criteria for operation and
funding of dropout prevention programs and authorizes the Department of Education
to enter into contracts with other agencies for the purpose of securing
additional funds for dropout prevention programs.
Section
1. (1) A local board of education may operate dropout prevention programs for
students at high risk for dropping out. A student is considered of high risk
for dropping out if he meets one (1) or more of the following criteria:
(a)
A student who is currently achieving two (2) or more grade levels below his age
group;
(b)
A student who has demonstrated poor academic skills, i.e., who has failed two
(2) or more subjects in two (2) of the past four (4) school years;
(c)
A student who is consistently absent or tardy and who has been absent
twenty-five (25) or more unexcused days in the last two (2) school years and
has an overall grade point average below a C;
(d)
A student who has been suspended (in-school alternative to home suspension or
home suspension) two (2) or more times during the past school year and has an
overall grade point average below a C;
(e)
A student who becomes pregnant;
(f)
A student whose family has a history of dropping out or whose family does not
support the student in the completion of school;
(g)
A student who little or no participation in school cocurricular activities;
(h)
A student who is below grade level in reading or math skills;
(i)
A student who shows indication of being socially isolated;
(j)
Upon approval of the Department of Education, other indicators supported by
strong evidence may also be utilized to identify students of high risk for
dropping out.
(2)
Funds shall be made available to eligible Kentucky school districts through
contractual agreements whereby school districts agree to provide special
services designed to prevent students of high risk from dropping out. State
appropriated funds shall be utilized first in providing grant awards for
dropout prevention programs. These funds may be supplemented by other special
funds which may be available to the Department of Education through contracts
or grants intended for this purpose.
(a)
Special contract or grant funds may be used to fund the continuation of
successful dropout prevention services in school districts demonstrating a
reduction in their dropout rates or numbers.
(b)
The Department of Education shall notify school districts of their eligibility
to receive funds for a minimum of two (2) years to implement dropout prevention
programs.
(c)
A school district may apply for funds by submitting an application which
specifies special services to be provided to students who are at high risk of
dropping out. Applications shall be approved by the Department of Education
prior to the encumbrance or expenditure of these funds for a dropout prevention
program.
(d)
A district receiving dropout prevention funds as provided for in this
administrative regulation shall implement a comprehensive research-based model
across all grade levels.
(3)
A school district applying for funds shall describe the special service(s) to
be provided to eligible students, including the services listed below:
(a)
Alternative curriculum which shall provide academic alternatives for students.
Alternative educational programs, classes or schools shall provide the students
with a positive learning environment to develop and build student academic-behavioral
successes.
(b)
Counseling, advising and mentoring services shall provide techniques to fulfill
individual needs for building self-esteem and personal status through school
activities.
(c)
Parent involvement services shall provide teachers and counselors with
appropriate information to assess student needs. This service may be
implemented through home visits, group and individual conferences, and
opportunities for family and community involvement.
(d)
Student-centered services shall provide a focus on the individual student.
Efforts shall be focused on individual needs and differences. These
similarities and differences shall be respected. Individualized goals and
objectives shall be developed and valued for cognitive and effective growth and
development.
(e)
Tutorial services shall provide the additional time, attention, encouragement
and support needed by students at risk. Tutoring may be provided by students
(peer tutoring) or specialized staff to help students gain social maturity, academic
and social skills.
(f)
Work-related services may provide opportunities for paid employment to
students. Services may utilize several components which include on-the-job
experiences, classes, career awareness and exploration activities or vocational
courses which are designed to transition students into the world of work.
Section
2. A school district receiving dropout prevention funds shall submit an annual
evaluation report. The annual evaluation report shall provide data for each
student receiving dropout prevention services.
Section
3. The chief state school officer shall be authorized to enter into contractual
agreements with the Department of Employment Services and other agencies and
organizations for the purpose of securing Job Training Partnership Act funds
and other special grant and contract funds to be utilized to supplement state
appropriations, under the criteria and standards of this administrative
regulation, in reducing the numbers of dropouts in the common schools of
Kentucky. (13 Ky.R. 836; Am. 1082; eff. 12-2-86; 17 Ky.R. 2059; eff. 2-7-91; 25
Ky.R. 1143; eff. 1-19-99.)