2012 Golden Bell winners improving graduation rates
CSBA’s Golden Bell Awards program celebrates excellence in education in California school districts and county offices of education, with an emphasis on programs that can be replicated elsewhere. Two of last year’s winners are particularly effective in improving graduation rates.
Students Saving Students: Multiple Methods of Mentoring: The Student Mentor Program at La Serna High School in Whittier Union High School District has resulted in measurable gains in several targeted areas, including increases in graduation rates, CST scores, and a-g completion rates while decreasing D/F grades and closing the achievement gap.
u-PLANit—College, Career & Beyond: u-PLANit is an online resource from the Kern County Office of Education designed to help middle and high school students explore their future. The website’s primary goal is to provide students with the information they need to complete high school and move on to higher education or successfully enter the work force. u-PLANit allows students to experience college life through virtual campus tours, explore potential careers through hundreds of videos, investigate financial aid options, and find out what high school classes they need to get them where they want to go. u-PLANit is a continually evolving resource that engages students in the exploration of their future.