The Problem: The public education system is in a crucible an alarming number of students are failing to graduate or graduating ill

l equipped to enter higher education or the workforce. Only 65.7% of Delawares high school students can expect to graduate with their peers th Delaware ranks 40 in the nation in high school completion Only 43% of Delawares students enter college annually Dropout from the class of 2008 alone will cost Delaware over $1 billion in lost wages
The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (2009)

Performance Learning Centers, an Innovative and Effective Solution: What is a Performance Learning Center (PLC)? Performance Learning Centers (PLCs) are based on a framework of six central pillars:
A Professional Training Environment A Self-Managed Performance Track A Positive School Climate A High-Tech/Hands-On Curriculum Post-Graduation Preparation Community Engagement

PLCs offer a self-paced curriculum that allows students to make up credits during nontraditional school hours. Each PLC, between 75150 students, help students receive one-on-one attention. PLCs are academically rigorous and college preparatory, targeting students who have not succeeded in a traditional learning environment. Students are empowered by developing and managing their own performance track through a hightech/hands-on curriculum that meets state education requirements. Students can enter a post-secondary track through dual enrollment at a college or technical school. Services coordinators, trained by Communities in Schools, assist students with non-academic issues by connecting students with community services, mentors and tutors. PLCs are more like professional training environments than classrooms. Students build critical thinking and teamwork strategies through project-based learning. PLCs function as professional training centers valuing caring, high expectations, autonomy and dignity. Parents and community members are omnipresent essential collaborators. Parents and staff sign contractual agreements. Local businesses and community members volunteer services, internships and service learning opportunities. Background: In 2003, CIS of Georgia first received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund PLC establishment. Today, more than 35 PLCs, serving over 4,000 students, are proving that a combination of academic and service interventions are the most effective way to help students achieve. A group of interested public and private stakeholders including school leaders, the Mayor of Wilmington and other community supporters propose bringing PLCs to Delaware. Communities in Schools has been designated to provide the program model, training and logistics. The PLCs curriculum will be aligned to Delawares state standards and will incorporate online and projectbased learning. Data will be collected to measure outcomes. Population: PLCs will serve students most at risk for dropping out who havent succeeded in a traditional school.

PLCs are Effective and Results-Driven: Results from PLCs in operation: Between 2003 and 2008, more than 85% of PLC students consistently improved their academic performance and more than 4,300 students have graduated. Last year, of PLC students:
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Remained in School/Graduated Plan for College Accomplish More Believe PLCs are Successful More Focused 96% 64% 93% 97% 87%

Delawares PLC will strive for even more impressive results by focusing on its unique community partnerships and adherence to data collection and evaluation.

The Communities in Schools of Delaware Connection: Communities In Schools (CIS) believes it takes the whole community to educate a child. CIS will deliver its five principles, which every child needs and deserves, to Delaware PLCs: 1-on-1 caring relationships with adults marketable skill development safe places to learn and live a chance to give back a healthy start and future CIS is prepared to institute PLCs due to its successful and long lasting relationships throughout Delaware. The CIS model, which will be instituted in PLCs, is effective, cost efficient, adaptable and widely applicable. Performance Learning Centers are Good Investments Proven effective, PLCs offer a variety of individualized and innovative services and skill developments to the most at risk youths. Due to community connections and advocacy, CIS-led PLCs center on a model of volunteerism and sustainability. A key element of the PLC initiative is influencing public policy and leveraging resources. Promoting academic success and healthy youth development is a cost-effective alternative to continuing to pay the high costs of allowing at-risk youth to leave school poorly equipped. Increasing the capacity to serve more of Delawares severely at-risk youth is an important challenge for Delawares business leaders who depend on a prepared and diligent work force. In Conclusion The CIS model and the PLC initiative is an established process for promoting positive outcomes for youth by mobilizing community assets to address identified needs including literacy, high school success, supportive pathways to college, and preparation for the workforce. CIS is dedicated to assisting and supporting the Delaware community with the development of the PLC initiative.

OUR PARTNERS: