Description

Angela, a former teacher and at-risk coordinator, shared Garland ISD’s enrollment/dropout recovery process. She introduced “Operation Opportunity” to streamline efforts, highlighting initiatives like “LEAP” and “RISE.” With clear processes, multi-channel communication, RaaWee Attendance+, and attendance teams, 67% advanced to sophomores, and 85% graduated or continued, ensuring year-long student support.

Operation Opportunity: A Structured Approach

Garland ISD’s enrollment / dropout recovery process is built on clear expectations, documented procedures, and multi-channel communication. Through Operation Opportunity, the district streamlined efforts to re-engage students, launching key initiatives like LEAP and RISE to expand academic opportunities.

Reconnecting Individual Students to Education (RISE) Program

The RISE program provides flexible schedules, online courses, and individualized support, helping 67% of participants advance to sophomore year and 85% either graduate or continue their education.

Attendance Teams for Targeted Interventions

Specialists are assigned to high schools to closely monitor attendance and implement interventions. Dedicated administrators track trends by grade level and demographics, ensuring early support for at-risk students. Home visits and partnerships with programs like McKinney-Vento and Hazel Health further assist vulnerable students and families.

Incentives and Year-Round Engagement

Garland ISD maintains a year-long focus on attendance goals, prioritizing data accuracy and celebrating small wins. Community-sponsored incentives reward students for improved attendance, reinforcing positive habits.

Leveraging RaaWee Attendance+ for Efficiency

With clear staff training and digital tools like RaaWee Attendance+, the district enhances student tracking and intervention efficiency. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework further aids struggling students, ensuring they receive the help they need.

Accountability and Long-Term Success

Angela emphasized the importance of clear documentation, collaboration between district and campus teams, and strong accountability measures. By aligning enrollment recovery efforts with structured strategies, Garland ISD fosters long-term student success.

About the Presenter

Angela Daniels, M.Ed., Student Engagement Administrator, Student Services, Garland ISD, TX

Angela is a former Intervention Coordinator and teacher with 20 years of experience developing unique opportunities to help all students succeed. She has led initiatives that have reduced dropout rates and enhanced student engagement. She holds certifications in Education Leadership and Dropout Prevention.

Improving Overall Student Attendance

Angela Daniels from Garland Independent School District (ISD) in Garland, TX, recently shared valuable strategies her team employed for student attendance improvement and dropout recovery, showcasing remarkable success in increasing high school attendance from 90.59% in 2023 to 93.2% in 2024. With a student population of 51,000 spread across 70 campuses, Garland ISD faces significant challenges in terms of truancy, which affects approximately 14% of students, and chronic absenteeism, impacting around 9%. Given that 72% of students are economically disadvantaged and 50% classified as at-risk, addressing attendance issues is paramount for the success and well-being of students in the district.

To support their attendance intervention efforts, Garland ISD utilizes the RaaWee Attendance+ system, which provides essential tools and reporting capabilities. This system aids the district in tracking attendance interventions, showcasing proof points, and analyzing trends related to student instructional minutes and funding recovery efforts. By leveraging data effectively, the district can pinpoint areas needing improvement and measure the impact of their strategies.

Addressing Dropout Recovery

Focusing specifically on high school students, particularly ninth graders, the district implemented root cause analysis and flexible scheduling to identify key problem areas affecting attendance. Attendance specialists were designated at each campus, and data was meticulously analyzed by grade level, race, gender, and teacher impact. Recognizing that transition years, such as moving from eighth to ninth grade, often present challenges, the district prioritized these students through home visits and summer outreach initiatives.

One notable initiative is the RISE program, which allows students to customize their schedules to accommodate personal and family challenges. This program encourages collaboration with counseling, special programs, and other stakeholders to establish fair and equitable criteria for participation. Impressively, 85% of participants in the RISE program continued their education or graduated, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.

Angela emphasized the importance of data analysis, collaboration, and celebrating small wins throughout the process. She also stressed the necessity of structured plans, ongoing checkpoints, and stakeholder involvement that extends beyond just the attendance team. By creating equitable solutions and fostering engagement and positive attendance, Garland ISD is dedicated to supporting students in staying present, connected, and thriving in their educational journeys. Their comprehensive approach serves as a model for other districts striving to improve student attendance and overall success.

About the Presenter

Angela Daniels, M.Ed., Student Engagement Administrator, Student Services, Garland ISD, TX

Angela is a former Intervention Coordinator and teacher with 20 years of experience developing unique opportunities to help all students succeed. She has led initiatives that have reduced dropout rates and enhanced student engagement. She holds certifications in Education Leadership and Dropout Prevention.