Communities get Graduation Matters grant funding
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HELENA — Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius Graduation Matters programs were three recipients of 39 grants to Montana schools and United Ways to increase the number of Montana students who graduate from high school prepared for college and careers. The total of $203,000 supports local Graduation Matters initiatives across the state.
Since the launch of Graduation Matters Montana, Montana’s high school dropout rate has decreased from 5.0 percent in 2009 to 3.6 percent in 2014, and the graduation rate has increased from 80.7 percent in 2009 to 85.4 percent in 2014. This is the highest the graduation rate has been in Montana since the OPI began calculating the graduation rate in 2000.
Graduation Matters Polson received a $5,000 grant and has set a goal to reduce dropouts by five percent in each grade level. In order to meet their goals, Graduation Matters Polson has hired a graduation coach. This coach identifies students who are at risk of leaving school, develops relationships, and helps them access the resources they need to be successful. The graduation coach has already made a positive impact that is translating into a decreased dropout rate.
In Ronan, $8,000 was awarded to their Graduation Matters program to help their goal to reduce chronic absenteeism by 20 percent. They will accomplish that goal by hiring a graduation coach with their grant funding. The graduation coach will work on identifying and connecting with at-risk students who are chronically absent. The Graduation Matters Ronan Coach will connect students and their families with credit recovery options and community resources. These identified students will be encouraged to prepare and envision their future with an after-high school plan.
With $5,000 in grant monies, Graduation Matters St. Ignatius has identified 22 students who are at risk of dropping out. These students are monitored by a staff member, and each student has an Individual Learning Plan. The plans help staff closely monitor the students and their successes. Staff review the ILPs with parents and students to make any necessary adjustments. The St. Ignatius team has been able to hire a team member to work with all at-risk students.
