Funds for dropout prevention program

Texas schools can now apply for funding from a $5 million dropout prevention program. In a matter of days, the Texas Education authorities will be announcing awards from this fund for school districts in various regions of the state. This additional funding can put more Texas Teachers in schools where there is a large dropout problem, or be used to develop dropout prevention programs within those schools based on proven models of success.

Campuses with a low TAKS passage rate that receive early intervention grants will also be eligible for funding from the private foundations participating in the Texas High School Project. Private foundation dollars will be used to redesign under-performing high schools, with an emphasis on restructuring learning environments and recruiting new Texas Teachers so students benefit from smaller campuses and smaller class sizes.

Private foundation funds will go toward the creation of new schools including those that focus on math, science and technology and will also be used to develop "early college high schools" that not only allow students to earn a high school diploma, but either an associate's degree or two years of college credit too.

The focus of Texas Teachers is not only on certain under-performing schools, but also on giving every student at risk of failure new tools to succeed. Starting this school year, every high school student that has failed the TAKS will receive an individualized graduation plan prepared at the local level by their school, and a personalized study guide provided by the state.

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Initial reports indicate the G.A.F.F is at an all-time low.