The Come Back Kids Program (CBK) was developed in 2008 by a committee of administrators, teachers, and consultants with the goal of targeting high school age students who have dropped out of school. The initiative came from Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Kenn Young.
An intentional promotional plan to encourage a return to school by students in Riverside County was developed. Posters were posted and brochures were placed at strategic locations where teens work or patron---like restaurants, car washes, and malls. News releases were also sent to local papers and radio stations. Presentations at youth centers for homeless and disengaged youth were done by CBK staff. Meetings with county probation officers and local agencies also contributed to igniting the message that CBK is all about helping teens create a better future. The best advertising to date has been the attending students or recent graduates who continually spread the word and brag about their successes.
More recently, school districts have included this program in their “options” for students who are credit deficient, need to hold down jobs, have children, or want to try school a different way. For districts with Alternative Education programs that are impacted, administrators and counselors have another resource to offer—Come Back Kid. Once students register, the school districts can change their status from “drop out” to “enrolled in Riverside County High School.”
Initially, students attend one of our CBK Orientation celebrations where they are encouraged to come with a parent, guardian, or other family members and see what it’s all about. At that time, the student meets with one of the 13 teachers to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). This includes an interview, review of school transcripts, graduation goal setting, career guidance, and math/reading assessment.
Counseling and motivational tools are used to encourage regular school attendance and completion of goals. Classes are held daily at most of our 10 locations. As students work through their course work, credits, and graduation, a transition plan is developed to register for college or trade schools, apply for grants and loans, and/or entering the work force. Students are invited to go on field trips to various locations in support of their transition plan and are assisted in the enrollment and application processes.
Student Eligibility for CBK includes:
The student assignments are developed from the established Riverside County High School curriculum and WASC accredited program. Many CBK students choose to work in an independent study format. At most of our sites, students come in daily, work in a quiet professional setting and set up a custom attendance schedule with their teacher. CAHSEE test study materials (Measuring Up), Step-Up to Writing lessons, Math intervention, and computerized programs are used for intervention.
Teens who thought they would never graduate are now applying for college and specialty schools, and learning of resources to help them with costs. No dream is deferred.
Debra Sacks
(951) 826-6454
dsacks@rcoe.us
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