Unit3ProgDev DUE 01/29/20

First Chance Program Evaluation --Working Draft for next Month’s Board Meeting

Although the primary mission of the Second Chance Program of RBC is to provide an alternative to criminal justice for school-based the offenses, we further support this effort with additional prevention services through the First Chance Program. The First Chance Program offers youth development programming to build character in supporting at-risk youth in adopting behaviors that serve them better in school and society. The success of this program is measured not only by participant completion, but their academic improvement, high school graduation, and the lack of school offenses or involvement with the criminal justice system.

Currently, the First Chance Program is available to all students in the school district by a referral from their principal or their guidance counselor. The First Chance Program is offered at several of the school campuses, specifically Ruby Lake High School, Riverbend North, and Orrin Collins High School. These schools were chosen due to their high portion of at-risk youth, and immigrant populations, the wards’ socioeconomic condition, and the lack of other resources in the area. For the schools with high immigrant populations, additional English as a Second Language tutoring is provided.

The information for this report has been gathered through the ongoing joint reporting system of the First Chance Program with the school district. Students who participate in the First Chance Program and their parents are informed of the program evaluation to receive consent to share the information across the two organizations. The information gathered includes qualitative data primarily related to demographic information about the students that are served by this program. The quantitative data is derived from students’ academic records and First Chance Program records. In addition, participants receive a survey via mail and email when they turn 18 years old and 21 years old to capture long-term outcomes. The statistics presented are those for the last three school years.

Who we serve

41% female, 59% male

27% middle school, 73% high school

68% Hispanic/Latino, 19% White/Caucasian, 11% African-American, 2% other

81% of participants also receive free school breakfast and/or lunch

What we do:

During the past academic year, we provided:

Tutoring
General Study Skills	1,045 sessions to 207 students
Math Skills	701 sessions to 129 students
Reading Skills	686 sessions to 141 students
Writing Skills	812 sessions to 234 students
English as a Second Language	1,224 sessions to 340 students
Courageous Characters Programs	171 courses to 166 students
Anger Management Programs	73 courses to 71 students

Programs	Goals	Benchmarks	Outcomes
Tutoring	Improved academic skills Passing grades Persistence in School Graduation *ESL proficiency	85% of participants graduate on time	84% of participants graduate on time. 5% of participants received GED 90% of participants pursue more education
Courageous Characters	Leadership skills Healthy habits Creative outlets Interpersonal skills Communications	75% of participants reach age 18 yrs. without a school violation 80% of participants adopt extracurricular activities 35% of participants take on leadership positions in school or other groups	60% of participants do not receive school violations before age 18yrs. 12% of participants receive detox or substance abuse services 7% of participants are referred to the anger management program 25% of participants join a sports team 35% of participant engage in the Arts 45% of participants join a club 35% of participants are active in a religious youth group 37% of participants report leadership positions in the organizations that they participate in
Anger Management	Coping with strong emotions Alternatives to violence Interpersonal skills Communication skills	70% of participants will not require additional interventions to not engage in violence or disruptive behavior in school settings	65% of participants graduate without a school offense 15% of participants require additional outside counseling and/or treatment for disruptive behaviors 7% of participants become involved with criminal justice due to gang activity or violence

Discussion

Overall, the First Chance Program has experienced a fair amount of success. Not only are participants in this program more likely stay out of trouble, they tend to graduate and adopt lifestyles that support leadership, wellness and good citizenship.

Although the First Chance Program continues to struggle in attaining its benchmarks, the annual percentages continue to rise closer to that goal. During this time period, the First Chance Program has seen continued growth and is in the process of opening a new center next year. With the growth of the program, the First Chance Program is continuing to review its evaluation processes to determine what additional measures would be beneficial to track. The ongoing program evaluation process informs the program improvement initiatives so that the First Chance Program can better serve the School district and its students.