Dropout Challenge Application Deadline Extended

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DUE TO SPRING BREAKS THAT ARE OCCURRING IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS THIS MONTH, SURVEY SUBMISSION HAVE BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011.

Great news! We have had terrific response to our Dropout Challenge Recognition survey. To date nearly 100 schools have applied. However, the survey process has been challenging for some whom have left the survey to return to find some of the data they entered missing.
 
While this survey allows you to return and continue your application, it has some nuances that many may not be aware of. Therefore, I have added additional information to the survey overview that I have highlighted below.
 
There is also one section requiring data that has given some an error message stating they need to enter a positive number. The survey does not allow for special characters like decimals and commas, which I have also clarified and highlighted below.
 
If you still run into problems, We have a Word survey document that can be emailed to you by contacting Leisa Gallagher, the MDE Dropout Challenge Coordinator at lgallagher@cenmi.org she can be reached at (616) 446-6115 or (517) 908-3921.

Access the recognition application survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DOCrecognitionapplication.

Dropout Challenge School and Student Recognition Application
 
BE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR EFFORT

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) would like to applaud you for your efforts in the Superintendent’s Dropout Challenge. As participants in the Dropout Challenge, you have changed the lives of many students and made positive changes to your schools, and communities. MDE would like to recognize specific students and schools for remarkable success stories achieved through the Dropout Challenge.

Please use the provided application to submit a school success story. In addition, schools may submit the names of up to three students involved in the Dropout Challenge for special recognition. MDE will review all applications to select students and schools for recognition. Schools selected will receive a special plaque recognizing their efforts. Students selected for recognition will receive an iPad.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE SURVEY

The Dropout Challenge invited elementary, middle and high schools to participate. Therefore we have designed this recognition application survey to quickly capture academic improvement at the building and/or student level during the year(s) you participated. A few questions may not be relevant for your building identity as an elementary or secondary school. In those cases, enter the number "0".

For example, question 8 asks you for graduation rate data. If you are an elementary school, disregard that question, and advance to the question regarding attendance. Only answer those questions which are appropriate for your building. Comment boxes have been provided for elementary and middle schools to report academic improvement.

Can a survey be saved halfway and finished later?

Yes, the system allows respondents to leave the survey and resume it later. The system saves responses through either a cookie or by the actual survey link. In either case, the [Next] button on a page or the [Done] button at the end of the survey must be clicked to save the page(s) of answers.

To guide the completion of this application, a scoring rubric is available by cutting and pasting the following link in your browser at http://graduationtown.org/article/dropout_challenge_application_rubrics.

Also clarified Section 4 questions 2 & 3 that require positive numbers
2. Building Data (Please use positive, whole numbers without special characters like commas, decimals or alphabet characters to avoid an error.  Write GPA's like 300 (3.00) or 275 (2.75) 340(3.4). We'll know to put in the decimal.

Because the application requires data, we are attaching a Word Document for your use.  If you are experiencing unresolved technical issues, you may submit a paper application by email to Leisa Gallagher, lgallagher@cenmi.org
6412 Centurion Drive, Suite 130
Lansing, MI 48917

Please use this alternative as a last resort option.  Thanks!