NCJ Number
253662
Journal
Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2017 Pages: 56-82
Date Published
May 2017
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Since prior research has shown that an individualized mentoring program called Check & Connect has positive effects on school attendance and progression for students with disabilities, the current study examined the efficacy of Check & Connect with general education students who had early warning signs of risk for dropping out of high school in a large urban district.
Abstract
Although graduation rates are rising, the high school dropout problem remains a national crisis, and evidence-based information about interventions for at-risk students is critically needed. For the current study, the sample was composed of 553 students with the lowest predicted probabilities of on-time graduation, based on school attendance, behavior, and course performance in grades 8 and 9. Students were randomly assigned to receive a Check & Connect mentor for 3 years, starting in the summer after grade 9. Findings suggest the program was implemented with fidelity, except with students who left district schools. This evaluation found that Check & Connect did not have any statistically significant impacts on measures of school engagement, academic progress, the likelihood of dropping out, or graduation. These results are discussed in the context of other literature on mentoring and dropout prevention. (publisher abstract modified)