New Results from Early Warning Response System in Philadelphia

Posted by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey on December 15, 2014

Early warning response system helps middle schoolers

Through the Early Warning Response System (EWRS), United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) and the Philadelphia Education Fund (Ed Fund) are helping thousands of students stay on track to high school graduation by intervening during critical middle school years.
Research conducted by the Ed Fund and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) shows that students at risk of dropping out can be identified as early as sixth grade. Students in grades 6 through 8 struggling with one of more of these three Early Warning Indicators (EWIs)– 1) low attendance (less than 80 percent), 2) poor behavior (three or more negative behavior marks), and 3) course failure in math or English – have a 15 percent chance of graduating high school.
During the first year of the EWRS partnership, UWGPSNJ and the Ed Fund worked with a cohort of 12 underserved schools in the School District of Philadelphia – home to nearly 2,000 students in grades 6 through 8. Together, they provided training, tools and support for administrators and teachers to help match students at risk of dropping out with the existing school resources they need most –such as tutoring, mentoring and counseling— and worked with local nonprofits to fill any gaps in the available school-based services.

To view results from the 2013-14 school year, go here.

http://unitedforimpact.org/media/press-releases/united-way-and-philadelphia-education-fund-boost-academic-success-for-phila

For more information on UWGPSNJ’s cradle-to-career education agenda, visit here.

http://www.unitedforimpact.org/education

For more information on the Ed Fund’s work to improve the quality of public education in Philadelphia, visit here.

http://www.philaedfund.org/