Purpose: The ninth grade, difficult for most students, is particularly hard for students who are at risk. Students are entering the environment of high school that is, in general, more impersonal, more academic intensive, and less rule flexibility (discipline and attendance). Students entering ninth grade who exhibit at risk behaviors (attendance, discipline, alienation, low-self esteem, and limited academic success) will more than likely not graduate. Often the ninth grade year is very demoralizing for students who do not maintain the necessary academic credits for graduation. The “mountain” they create is so steep that little hope remains in the individual and they and the school realize it is just a matter of time before he or she “drops out.”
With appropriate supports in place, our goal is to recognize the challenges of these individuals and intervene to prevent students from leaving the educational system prematurely.
Students who stay enrolled in the program for the 9th , 10th , and 11th grade years will have the opportunity to participate in CPI’s School to Work program as a 12th grade student. The student’s program instructor, CPI School to Work Coordinator, and parent will have to approve of placement. Students may remain at CPI for their senior year.
Sending school districts will be responsible for identifying students to enroll in the program and approving students for enrollment. After identification, it is recommended representatives of CPI (program instructor, instructional support staff, and administrator) meet with the sending school, parents, and student.
Ninth grade students are welcome to choose any of the occupational programs at CPI. This selection is based on space availability. Students entering the 10th grade will have priority of enrolling in a program.
For ninth grade students to maintain enrollment at CPI, students are required to meet performance criteria that would include attendance, completing program competencies, and adhere to the discipline code. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination from CPI. A high level of parental participation is expected to assist in remedying any issues that may occur.