Check and Connect

Check & Connect is an intensive, long-term evidence-based intervention program for students who are disconnected from school and learning. The Check and Connect advocate / mentor / coach connects with youth weekly, checks school engagement data weekly, designs personalized interventions based on that data, encourages goal-setting and problem-solving, and serves as a bridge between the student, school, parent(s)/guardian(s) and community. Currently used in 27 states, the model for this program has been shown to decrease behavioral referrals, truancy, and tardiness while increasing:

• High school graduation rates by 42%
• Student attendance by 37%
• School enrollment by 29%
• Student persistence and motivation towards school
• Overall credit accrual

Eligibility:

• Priority is given to students who struggle behaviorally in school. Out of school students looking to be re-engaged in school or students showing disengagement from school through absenteeism, behavior and/or grades are also considered. Referrals are accepted from Ypsilanti Community Schools District, Lincoln Consolidated Schools and the Washtenaw County Trial Court.  Limited spots are available.
• We have a program in Detroit for older high school youth.

Program Components

• An advocate who works with students and families for a minimum of two years
• Regular checks, using data schools already collect on students’ school adjustment, behavior and progress.
• Timely interventions, driven by data, to reestablish and maintain the students’ connection to school and learning, and to enhance the students social and academic competencies.
• Engagement with families.

Specific Services Provided

• Building positive relationships with each individual student.
• Checking in weekly with each student during to school year to ensure investment and engagement and to provide problem solving tools and intervention strategies.
• Using collected data to design personalized interventions for target students.
• Facilitating communication and problem solving both at the individual student level and between home and school.
• Attending school-based meetings (e.g., team meetings, IEP meetings, suspension re-entry meetings, etc.).
• Connecting students and families to appropriate community services when necessary.
• Collaborating with schools and extracurricular programs to encourage improved participation, performance, and success for students who are disengaged from school and learning.

Contact

Tina Jurries
tina at studentadvocacycenter.org

For More Information

For more information about Check and Connect, please visit the program’s website through the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration.