Approve the Job Descriptions for Dropout Prevention Specialist and Program Advisor (Curriculum and Instruction Division/Student Services and Federal Programs Division) (Revised)

In an effort to more clearly describe and define the job responsibilities and duties of support staff at the middle school, high school, and postsecondary sites, the Dropout Prevention Specialist and Program Advisor positions have been created.

The Program Advisor position will be placed at the four Career Centers (Bowers-Whitley, D. W. Waters, Simmons, South County) and the Adult Community/Technical Centers (Aparicio-Levy, Brewster, Erwin, Gary and Learey). This position will absorb the duties of the current Educational Career Specialist and Student Intervention Specialist positions at our non-Title 1 career centers. The program advisor will be responsible for career information, dissemination, occupational assessment and guidance, job training, and will provide students with viable options, preventing them from dropping out of school and potentially recruiting them for postsecondary career and technical education programs and/or higher education opportunities. The Dropout Prevention Specialist position will be placed at middle schools where student enrollment exceeds 1,200 and high schools where student enrollment exceeds 2,200 (regardless of Title 1 status). This position will absorb the duties of the current Student Intervention Specialists in non-Title 1 middle and high schools. The Dropout Prevention Specialist will provide support, leadership, and assistance to schools that will result in an increase in student participation and performance in rigorous courses, increasing student attendance among high risk students, reduce truancy, tardiness, and frequent absenteeism and assist with exit interviews.

Continued on attachment.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates

Funds for this project are budgeted through Title 1 and the general funds.