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Program
The state’s Department of Youth Services chose Commonwealth Corporation to help reform their education services for adjudicated youth. CommCorp helps DYS teachers improve classroom instruction so that more youth gain skills for jobs and successful reentry to their home communities. Otherwise they risk “graduating” to the adult criminal justice system.
Need
The high school dropout rate for DYS youth can reach over 40% in some communities. All too frequently, youth who are out-of-school and lacking in job skills fall into criminal activity, and once apprehended and in the custody of the state, they receive education services. DYS’s education system seeks to do a better job of preparing them for success.
Solution
Commonwealth Corporation works with the Hampshire Education Collaborative to help DYS teachers improve classroom instruction and student performance by providing teachers with training and educational resources, as well as a universal transcript and field assessment tools. The program also improves teacher retention through professional development.
Impact
Student grade scores are higher and teacher retention has improved, as has the hiring of more qualified teachers.
