Dropout Prevention and Recovery
- School dropouts have reached epidemic proportions with 119,000 dropping out of school in Texas in the 2004-2005 year, the largest % dropout rate after Mississippi, and that figure is growing.
- The cost of dropouts continues to soar and drain the Texas economy of almost an additional $400 million every year in lost tax revenue, increased incarceration, and Medicaid.
- Each dropout costs taxpayers over $3,168 every year for the rest of their life compared to $3000 provided by the state for each year the student is in school.
- Over the course of their lifetime (50 years after school), one years class of dropouts will cost the state $20 billion
Winfree Academy believes in intervention. That is why our school makes so many attempts to solve the attendance problem before taking students and/or parents to court as required by law.
When a student reaches three unexcused absences, a warning letter will be sent to the parent/guardian. At that time a referral will be made to the Attendance Recovery Coach (ARC). The ARC will make attempts to meet with the student, and parents if deemed necessary.
The ARC, Dean of Students, and/or campus Principal may suggest additional intervention programs. This may include suggesting a student attend a different time session and placing the student on an attendance based SAFE plan. The student may be required to participate in Winfree Academy's ATTEND Program. The ATTEND Program is designed to bring awareness to truancy, discuss the consequences of dropping out of school, and create a personal action plan to help the student get back on track.
If these measures of intervention are unsuccessful and a student continues to miss school, the ARC will proceed with filing the truancy case to the local Municipal Court. At this point, the ARC will represent the school and present the case in court, if necessary.
At Winfree Academy, we are more concerned about why you can't get to school and take measures to bridge the gap. We want you here.
