Central Falls Transformation Report - Annenberg Institute for School ...

Other Student Supports
Like most high schools, CFHS employs guidance counselors to address a wide range of student
needs. However, some respondents cited the student-to-counselor ratio as an obstacle
to providing the level of assistance students needed. An executive director for family assistance
and student supports was hired in early 2011 to improve services by creating a
roadmap and assessment tool of various agencies and support systems that exist within the
Central Falls community. CFHS leadership hopes this resource will provide assistance to
families and students facing social and economic issues that may prevent them from effectively
engaging with the school community.
A leadership team member commented on how the school works with parents when students
are falling behind or having other difficulties. A school team, which may include
social workers, the school psychologist, a speech pathologist, and community social service
agencies, meets with the student and his/her family. At the meeting, the team discusses and
writes a plan addressing academics as well as social services the student/family may need.
This provides both individualized attention to students and builds a partnership with families
to ensure their continued support.
Despite these supports, several teachers and staff commented on the challenges faced by
students in Central Falls that negatively impact student achievement, including living in
poverty, low English language proficiency, parenting responsibilities, and various other
home challenges. Among the teachers we spoke to, there was little doubt that such challenges
made both teaching and learning more difficult. However, there did seem to be differing
perspectives among teachers about whether CFHS – through good instruction and
useful supports – could help students achieve, despite the challenges. As one teacher commented:
There are those that blame the environmental contingencies, and there are some of us
who feel that it’s a combination of both things, but certainly here’s an opportunity to
have an intervention that is successful in helping the students succeed.
Summary of Strategic Goal 1
CFHS has implemented several new programs and attended to existing student supports to
increase the graduation rate and decrease the dropout rate. All of the Multiple Pathways
options programs (Guide to Success, Saturday School, P.M. school, and College Crusaders)
successfully enrolled students, many of whom graduated or recovered necessary credits as a
result of their involvement with these programs. Increased tutoring efforts and student
accessibility to computers provided through the AEC helped students meet portfolio and
graduation requirements. Changes made to strengthen the advisory program showed mixed
results according to teacher, staff, and student data, indicating that further improvements
are needed to meet program objectives.
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