Our facility uses Student Progress reports to keep the student abreast of their academic standing. This happens twice a term. Once at the halfway point and the other towards the end. As an accelerated program, the instructor is responsible to make the student aware of academic issues in a timely fashion.
Our process is an advisement and if there is no progress then we place the student on probation. We also are consistently monitoring the grades and attendance. Once they are close to being at risk we start the process with a verbal warning.
We offer remediation and/or tutoring to our students scoring below 75 on exams and assignments. This policy is accompanied with a strong desire to see our students achieve success.
Communication meeting !!
We, the instructors meet twice or three times a week to comunicate students at risk. I always ask students how they are feeling? Any challenges that we can help with? Are you learning and is there something different that you would like to see from the instrutors so you can be more successful; and rememnber we are going to do this....together !!
I have been meeting with just students that have Academic/Attendance issues, but after completing this course I feel that I should meet with all students after the first evaluation. This helps them to get to know me and that I can help them if in the future they have issues, whether academically or personally.
we too use student advising forms to let the students know imediatly when an issue arises
Advising is done mid-term to ensure students are on the right track. If a problem is detected, the instructor works along with the student to devise a plan of action and then follows up at a later date.
The first response to Academic Erosion is the instructor noting when a student seems to be getting "lost." The students have free tutoring available, and advising from any of us on staff who can help them. They are encouraged to avail themselves of the tutoring, and we do our best to ensure they begin to believe in themselves. We try to foster an understanding that, yes, the material is difficult, but they can master it. If the erosion escalates to absenteeism, the instructor, and then the registrar will intervene by calling the student to express concern and encourage the student to attend. If a course is failed, an Academic Plan is presented - and the student is reminded that there are those who are successful in the field that once felt as he feels now, and who have even failed courses, yet have gone on to achieve success.
The advantage of having to retake course material is that the student can have a deeper understanding of the course material than those who only took it once. Failure can be a positive - it can teach a student more about how he learns, and enable him to select the methods that work for him.
MeriAnn, is this coordinated at the department level or with the DOE?
All instructors report weekly on students that they are concerned about and what they have done to help the students. Then an action plan is put into place at a meeting to help the students succeed. Instructors also call/email/text the students who are not active to make sure that they know they are missed.
Melissa, it must be difficult to make sure everyone leaves with a sense of importance. How do you do this?
Yahaira, does the person who issues these actions have any further responsibility to the student?
A verbal warning is given then a write up.
An intervention strategy often used to prevent academic erosion is avoid the temptation to show favoritism. Many need to feel important and empowered. As a result, I manage the classroom with care, making sure all leave with a sense of importance.
Paula, do you routinely meet with every student after the initial survey or is this done selectively for students who have revealed some problems?
Our school gives evaluations to the students every 4/5 weeks. This is especially importants the first 4/5 weeks as this tells us how the student is doing both with academics and attendance. A meeting is requested with the student with the Education Department and the student is put on Advisement and tutoring is offered. Sometimes in this meeting we find out that the student has personal issues and can refer them.
Traci, what kind of feedback do you get from students when you do your follow up? Are they usually grateful for the support?
It is always good to be approachable and caring yet not too involved. You can't promise to "rescue" students, but should always refer them to student services for help, and continue to follow up to see that they are dealing with their issues.
Not many take advantage of it sad to say. It is a drop in setting. There typically are instructors available from 7 in the morning until 10 at night m-f.
Paul, do many students take advantage of the open classroom time? Do they have to sign up in advance or simply drop in?
