Episode 42
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(October 21, 2008) With schools losing one-third of their students on average, dropout prevention programs, even the most effective ones, cannot solve the persistent large scale problem we face. Schools as systems themselves must change to increase their ability to engage and educate students through to graduation. IDRA’s Quality School Action Framework shows how communities and schools can work together to identify weak areas and strengthen public schools’ capacities to improve the holding power of schools. In the first of a set of podcast episodes on this topic, IDRA president and CEO, María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., describes the four elements in the Quality School Action Framework that must be in place for schools to be successful. Dr. Montecel is interviewed by Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., director of the IDRA Texas Parent Information and Resource Center. Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or fill out form online at www.idra.org/Podcasts. Sign up to receive free e-mail notices when new episodes are available.

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Resources

Quality Schools Action Framework
Developed by the Intercultural Development Research Association

IDRA School Holding Power Web Site

Attrition and Dropout Rates in Texas

IDRA School Holding Power portal (Texas high school level information)Designed for educators and community members to find out how well their high school campus is preparing and graduating students, what factors may be weakening school holding power, and what they can do together to address them.

Graduation for All E-letter (English/Spanish)
Free monthly electronic newsletter by IDRA with up-to-date information on the dropout issue that you can use to take action in your school and community to strengthen school holding power.

Ideas and Strategies for Action

What’s Behind the Numbers: “From Dropping Out to Holding On – Seven Lessons from Texas”
By María "Cuca" Robledo Montecel

Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program

Text of speech: “Framing Systems Change for Student Success”
By María "Cuca" Robledo Montecel, Ph.D.

Speech with recommendations, “Graduation for All - A Framework for Policy and Action”

Show Notes

* Host Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., director of the IDRA Texas Parent Information and Resource Center, welcomes María "Cuca" Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., IDRA president and CEO, for a discussion of the four elements in the Quality School Action Framework that must be in place for schools to be successful.

* Dr. Montecel lays out the rationale for the Quality School Action Framework.

* Dr. Montecel explains why graduating from high school is "the new minimum."

* Dr. Montecel identifies and discusses each of the four indicators in the Quality School Action Framework.

1. Parent and community engagement: Parents and members must be included in and connected to the learning process.
2. Student engagement: Students must be valued emotionally and intellectually.
3. Teaching quality: Teacher preparation and professional development are critical.
4. Curriculum quality and access: Students will rise to the expectation levels before them when challenged and given support.