by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
The Philadelphia Education Fund’s Early Warning Indicators Project, based on research from Johns Hopkins University, found that struggling middle grade students show signs of distress as early as 6th grade.
Data reveals that kids who exhibit any one of four early indicators have only between 10% and 20% chance of graduation: attending school less than 80% of the time; a failing grade in math, a failing grade in English and a poor behavior grade.
At two Philadelphia schools, Feltonville School of the Arts and Sciences and J. Cooke, on-site interventions in collaboration with school staff, parents, Communities in Schools and City Year Philadelphia help kids stay in school and succeed.
Findings show that Project students have increased attendance over the previous year and of the 250 who were “off track” for graduation, 54% have improved in their original risk area. Two thirds did better in English and math.
Based on these findings, the project will be expanded in Philadelphia and replicated in six other large urban districts. For information, contact Allie Mulvihill, at 215-665-1400 x 3310.
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