Causecast

Communities In Schools, Inc., the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, honored its outstanding non-traditional schools at the inaugural Performance Learning Center™ Awards in Atlanta on Wednesday. The ceremony recognized the academic outcomes of 10 Performance Learning Centers (PLCs) operated by Communities In Schools where students at risk of dropping out can catch up and graduate on time.

Performance Learning Centers are a key part of the CIS portfolio of initiatives. They are non-traditional high schools designed to meet the needs of students have not been successful in a traditional learning environment. Funded by a multi-million dollar three-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the CIS national office, 12 new PLCs are scheduled to be established in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington state.

The Performance Learning Center Awards took place at the annual PLC Summer Training Institute, “Road Work Ahead: The PLC Roadmap to Success.” Sponsored by CIS of Georgia, the Institute brings together PLC staff to explore best practices that will help them continue to meet their students’ needs and explore issues surrounding the No Child Left Behind Act.

“We are proud to recognize these PLCs and their students. Their success proves that when students are joined by caring adults in a mutual respect for each other and learning, those young people are already choosing success and focusing on succeeding, not just in school, but in life,” said Daniel J. Cardinali, president, Communities In Schools, Inc.

First developed and implemented by CIS of Georgia, PLCs represent the culmination of CIS’ commitment to non-traditional education. Between 2003 and 2007, a total of 2,014 students graduated from PLCs. There are currently more than 30 operational PLCs in the CIS network, with 45 expected to be operational by 2009.

The honorees for the 2008 Performance Learning Center Awards are:

Highest Number of Graduates
Forsyth Academy

Highest Percentage of Graduates Based on Enrollment
Forsyth Academy, Douglas PLC and Coweta PLC

Highest ADA for the School Year
Douglas PLC

Highest number of Dual Enrolled Students
Kent PLC, Bainbridge-Westside PLC

Highest Number of College-going Culture
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PLC

Highest Number of College Acceptance Letters
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PLC

Highest Number of Credits Earned by Students
Bainbridge-Westside PLC, Harris County PLC and Fuller PLC

Highest Number of GNC Entries/Service Records
Durham PLC, Southside PLC