Since 2007, teachers and administrators from 130 middle and high schools have participated in GraduateFIRST. As a result, participating schools have shown improved graduation rates, reduced dropout rates, decreased out-of-school suspensions (OSS) and in-school suspensions (ISS), increased attendance rates, and improved reading and math achievement for students with disabilities.  GraduateFIRST personnel have been invited to present at regional, state, and national conferences to share the successes of this nationally recognized dropout prevention initiative.

Previously, schools interested in participating in GraduateFIRST completed applications and submitted assurances indicating the schools’ commitment to the initiative.  SPDG personnel, in collaboration with staff from the Georgia Learning Resources System, reviewed all applications and selected participating schools based on need as determined by school data and commitment to meet the initiative expectations (e.g. development of a school team, participation in GraduateFIRST training, collection of data using provided data probes, etc.).

During the 2013-2014 school year, GraduateFIRST will be implemented in Focus Schools identified by the Office of School Improvement as needing improvement based on the performance of students with disabilities.  Additional schools that have not been participating as a Focus School will also be participating.  These targeted schools include elementary, middle, and high schools in rural and urban areas of the state.  Currently, ninety schools in fifty districts are scheduled to participate in the initiative.  Personnel from each of the schools will receive training, technical assistance, and coaching to support them in the implementation of the evidence-based strategies utilized in GraduateFIRST.

View districts and schools participating GraduateFIRST  for 2013 - 2014.