GA Graduation and Collaboration Coaches Highlighted

SOLUTIONS TO THE DROPOUT CRISIS

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

3:30-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Graduation & Collaboration Coaches: Working Effectively Together

presented by
Dr. Laura Brown and Ms. Fran Bay

*Learn how Graduation & Collaboration Coaches have contributed to an increase in Georgia's Graduation rate

*Learn about the roles of these Graduation & Collaboration Coaches

This webcast will address a framework for dropout prevention that has been effective in Georgia. The state's Graduation Coach program provides early intervention services to students at risk for dropping out of school. The state's graduation rate has increased from 72.3% in 2007 to 75.4% in 2008 - a record high. This 3.1% rate increase represents 8,277 additional graduates for the 2007-2008 school year. The State's dropout rate decreased from 4.1% to 3.7%. Georgia also funds Collaboration Coaches to assist middle and high schools in developing support for students with disabilities. Schools implement strategies for engaging students academically and behaviorally as well as focusing on affective needs.

On the day of the webcast, log on 10-30 minutes early to ensure you are connected to the broadcast @ www.dropoutprevention.org/webcast. You should just hear music until the program begins @ 3:30. If you have problems connecting, call Eric Rodgers @ 864.656.4550.

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Supplementary materials are now available online. All necessary information about participating fully in this professional development opportunity is found on the website. For further questions, contact the National Dropout Prevention Center or call 864.656.2580.

PARTICIPATION IN THE WEBCAST
Participation in this webcast is free and no registration is required. The program will be archived in its entirety on the website. On the day of the webcast, link to the broadcast. This webcast is produced with support from Penn Foster. If you have trouble with the link, copy and paste the entire address listed below into your web browser:

http://www.dropoutprevention.org/webcast

Georgia Fine Arts Standards Open for Public Comment

Georgia Department of Education Invites Public Comment on the New Fine Arts Standards

August 13, 2009, Georgia's State Board of Education approved Draft Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for Fine Arts Education. These standards were developed in the spring and summer of 2009 by Georgia Arts Educators, School Administrators, Teaching Artists and Community Leaders under the guidance of the Georgia Department of Education.

Review & Comment

October 12, 2009: draft standards for K-12 Dance, Music, Theater Arts and Visual Arts are posted for 60 days of public review and comment.

Time Line for Implementation

November 5, 2009: draft standards currently scheduled to be presented to the State Board of Education for approval

February, 2010: training for Administrators and Fine Arts teachers begins

For questions or more information, contact:
Pam Smith, Curriculum and Instructional Services Director
404.463.4141
PamSmith@doe.k12.ga.us

Multi-Media Campaign Dedicated to Childhood Obesity in Georgia

Stopping Childhood Obesity in Georgia

Student health and well being are factors that contribute to school success and ultimately high school graduation. Aetna and Georgia Public Broadcasting invite you to the launch of a multi-media campaign dedicated to Childhood Obesity Prevention.

Follow Georgia Graduation Stories on Facebook.

Student's Art for an Important Cause

Georgia Student Wins Contest to Prevent Youth Gambling Problems

Cedric Brown is the 1st place winner in a contest sponsored by The Pathelogical Gambling Project sponsored by the social research lab at Georgia State University. In a drawing using acrylics, Cedric spoke to the idea that gambling is a destructive influence. Because he is interested in a career in visual arts, Cedric felt it was best to take advantage of this opportunity. He also said that since he is now a high school graduate, he is no longer eligible for as many opportunities available for young people. Hearing about the opportunity to participate in billboard campaign, Cedric said he "would take my last shot". As a first place winner, Cedric received a cash prize and will see his artwork on display on four billboards located throughout Georgia.

Followers of the Georgia Graduation Stories blog will recognize Cedric as one of the seven young people who traveled to China in 2008 as part of the Metro Atlanta's Boys & Girls Clubs' (Youth Art Connection) Beijing Program. Check out the posts under the Beijing Program labels.
You can also see the online version of the recently released China Book.

Cedric is a 2009 graduate of DeKalb County's Redan High School, and he will be attending Georgia Perimeter College this fall.

THE CONTEST

The Billboard Campaign on Youth Gambling Prevention was one strategy of the Pathological Gambling Project at Georgia State to prevent early onset of gambling problems among Geogia's youth. The Project used social marketing networks to address the fact that young people are at high risk for this problem.

The Project has the support of Gov. Sonny Perdue through his annual proclamations issued the 1st week of March on gambling prevention. MARTA message boards in their train stations and college radio stations are other outlets for this important message.

For more information, contact
Ayana Perkins, MA
Intervention Coordinator
GSU Pathological Gambling Project
404.663.1506
asperkins7@student.gsu.edu


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Georgia Students Invited to Join State Advisory Council

Superintendent Cox Seeks Student Advisors

Are you able to describe the biggest issue confronting students in your school? Do you have ideas as to how to address the issue?
What do you think a world-class education for you and your peers should be?

If these are questions that matter to you, and you think you have something to contribute to this discussion, then consider applying for membership in Superintendent Cox's Student Advisory Council.

Georgia High School Students are invited to apply for a state level leadership opportunity. State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox is accepting applications for her 2009-2010 Student Advisory Council.

The members of the Student Advisory Council meet three times during the school year with Superintendent Cox to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Georgia. Members are advisors and act as liaisons between the Department of Education and the students of Georgia.

All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Meeting dates are:
November 9, 2009
January 25, 2010
March 8, 2010
(dates are subject to change.)
Applicants should be able to attend all three meetings.

To be eligible for the Council, applications must be received by September
30, 2009.

Interested students should contact:
Courtney Burnett, External Affairs
(404) 657-1340
cburnett@gadoe.org

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See What's New

NEW FEATURES FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

GPB’s Georgia Graduation Stories blog is now on Facebook! Be one of the first to become a member of the group and share your support for all Georgia students making the incredible journey towards the goal of High School graduation.

Facebook is just one of the new features we are adding for the new school year. Stay in touch so you don’t miss out on any of the stories, pictures and resources.

"Jumpstart to Success" Summer Academy

Summer Academy for High School Freshman

Frederick Douglass High School

Some Atlanta Public School (APS) students will be ready for school even before the 2009-2010 school year officially begins. APS is offering a High School readiness program to incoming Freshman. "Jumpstart to Success" Summer Academy is being held July 20-31, 2009 at the district's high school and small learning communities.

Frederick Douglass HS Social Studies Teacher, Daryl Hardnett

Students who attend the Summer Academy get to preview the High School experience by meeting administrators and teachers, learning the physical layout of the campus, taking core courses and gaining tips on effective study habits. Students will also find information about extra-curricular activities, High School graduation requirements and career options.


View Atlanta Public Schools Press Release

Thank you to Kimberly Willis Green, APS Communications Officer, for providing story information and photographs for this blog post.