Readiness Tool: A Guide for Exploring Check & Connect at Your Site

A high school is considering implementing C&C to address chronic absenteeism and poor course performance (completing homework, grades, participation in class) in 9th-grade students. The high school currently participates in a popular, state-wide mentoring program, which was created by a beloved leader. Mentors, who are community members and volunteer their time, meet with students once a month. The mentors primarily focus on building relationships with students through social activities, such as having lunch with the student, taking them to a local game, etc. The staff thinks the need is there for more intensive education-focused intervention, but they are concerned that there will be confusion between the two mentor-based programs. Some staff has even said, “Why do we need another mentoring program? The one we have works just fine.”