Check and Connect

Check and Connect is a dropout prevention strategy that uses mentoring, performance monitoring, and case management to keep middle and high school students in school. The "Check" component assesses student engagement through performance monitoring and progress indicators while the "Connect" component involves individualized attention from program staff, school personnel, family members, and community service providers. Students in the program are assigned a monitor to meet with at least twice a month who reviews attendance, behavior, and academic performance. The monitor intervenes when necessary, and advocates for students, coordinates services, provides feedback and encouragement, and emphasizes the importance of staying in school.

The goal of Check and Connect is to encourage middle and high school students to stay in school.

Students who participate in Check and Connect are significantly less likely to drop out of school at the end of their first year of high school than similar peers who did not receive the intervention (9% compared to 30%). Participants also earn significantly more credits toward high school completion by the end of their first year. After four years fewer Check and Connect students (39%) dropped out of school when compared to of a control group (58%).