Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS)

The Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS) is a systematic approach to identifying students at risk of not graduating from high school on time, assigning them to interventions, and monitoring their progress. EWIMS targets first- and second-year high school students (grades 9-10) and uses research-based early warning indicators to flag at-risk students: chronic absence (missing 10% or more of instructional time), course failure (failing one or more courses), low GPA (2.0 or lower), and behavioral problems (suspensions). The intervention provides schools with guidance to implement a seven-step process supported by an early warning data tool. Schools establish an EWIMS team (typically 5-7 members including principals, teachers, counselors) that meets monthly to review data, interpret student needs, assign students to locally-determined interventions, and monitor progress. Implementation requires training and ongoing technical assistance, including regional trainings, tool trainings, site visits, and online WebShares. Schools import student data into the tool at multiple points throughout the year (after 20-30 days, after each grading period) to flag students and track intervention assignments.