Check & Connect: Preventing Dropout Among High School Students with Learning, Behavioral, or Emotional Disabilities

Check & Connect is a program that targets students at risk of dropping out of school by providing individualized attention and support to help them stay in school and succeed academically. The program has two main components: 'Check' and 'Connect.' The 'Check' component involves continually monitoring student performance and progress, while the 'Connect' component involves program staff giving individualized attention to students, in partnership with other school staff, family members, and community service organizations. The program is implemented by the Check & Connect 'monitor,' who functions as the student's mentor and case worker. Monitors provide basic intervention for all students on their caseload, as well as intensive intervention for students as needed. Basic interventions involve regular structured discussions between the monitor and student about their progress in school and about how to resolve conflicts and cope with challenges. Intensive interventions are tailored to the specific circumstances of students and their families and the available resources of the school and program. The program also focuses on