Get Your Students Hired
One of the most important facets in developing a retention program is to hire faculty who are driven to student success.Faculty who are excited to be teaching and working with students who re-enforce how the curricula the students are learning will apply on the job. I also would have a school newsletter written by students. The students will fill out an instructor performance survey and a curriculium relevance survey so we can see if we are meeting the students' needs. To accommondate student success I would use the following: Seminars for study skills, time management, test taking, dealing with anxiety; Appreciation Events; Awards Assemblies; Clubs; activities where faculty and students interact.
Each of us in our schools are valuable in the retension efforts. With that being said, it still is a daunting task for a few to be involved. As it has been said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Are we not a "village" where each of us must take on the role of being someone responsible for a successful retention program? I think that this must be the case. One problem that I see is a lack of communication on a frequent basis to enable everyone in the community to have a continuing interest in this activity. Often, it is discussed at in-service meetings, but not mentioned in smaller venues for discussion in our programs.
Mrs. Alvis is one of schools best assets in student retention. Quartely she does something special for the student body. All the students love her!!
I agree that faculty set the tone for retention though everyone is a stakeholder. in our institution we have many instructors who are very willing and eager to help students and encourage success. Communication is the key.
Ms. Alvis is a good example of a teacher who goes the extra mile for her students. She is always having fundraisers and other events to keep the students connected and motivated.
In our campus we utilize many of these tools and I do believe they are great measuring tools for student's success & retention. Additionally, I do support your statement about an enthusiastic instructor being a benefit as well. Students tend to feed off that energy and positive outlook making their goals seem attainable.