Program Features - Definitions

Outcome data system: The program produces data to show that strategies/practices are effective across years. Monitoring systems guide instruction and program implementation.

School-based enterprise: The program offers the community a product that is generated at school while at the same time building students’ academic and social skills as they are contributing to the business.

Innovative strategies for promoting and measuring social/emotional, physical well-being:
In-school support services from mental health providers, wraparound services, violence prevention programs, social skills training, and related experiences.

Family outreach: The program seeks ways to involve the family and partner with the family.

Community collaboration: Services of public and private agencies are engaged to provide an infrastructure that provides a caring, supportive environment for youth.

Aggressive outreach: Personnel do whatever it takes to develop positive relationships; they go above and beyond the call of duty.

Learning styles/multiple intelligences: Educators utilize and show students that there are different ways to learn. Students find new and creative ways to solve problems, achieve success, and become lifelong learners.

Positive approaches to discipline: The program focuses on creating a positive social culture and an active teaching/learning environment, without relying on punishment or exclusionary practices.

Personalized planning: The practice of personalized planning beyond curriculum achieves a focus on the student and personal motivation and ownership for behavior. When multiple barriers to learning exist, case management/personalized plans guide service, timelines, and changes to plans.

Promotes caring relationships: The program emphasizes an understanding of each student’s unique strengths, needs, and communication patterns. There is positive regard shown and students perceive that they are valued.

Student voice and leadership: The program provides opportunities for students to have a sense of ownership. Leadership skills can be achieved in tandem with or apart from academic experience.

Non-traditional timelines: The program provides before and after-school and summer enhancement programs that reduce information loss and inspire interest in a variety of areas.

Innovative academic strategies: Early intervention in reading and writing; service learning, instructional technology are examples of these strategies.

Mentoring/tutoring: Mentoring is a one-to-one caring, supportive relationship between a mentor and a mentee that is based on trust. Tutoring is also a one-to-one activity but focuses on academics.
Reducing absenteeism: The program has high rates of attendance.

Other innovative strategies: Any other replicable approach which is used to further student success.