1. EdisonLearning® Drop Back In Centers
Estimates show that 1.2 Million students fail to graduate
each year. At this current rate, 12 million students will drop
out of school over the next decade, with an estimated cost
to the nation as a whole of $3 trillion over the next decade.
In addition, these individuals without a high school
diploma will earn approximately $10,000 per year less than
a high school graduate.
These students do have the ability to graduate and earn
a diploma.
EdisonLearning, through a partnership with Alternatives
Unlimited (AU), helps them “drop back in” with a program
that fits their schedule, lifestyle and learning needs. The
program creates Drop Back In Centers which provide
students with the learning environment and educational
tools to complete their requirements for graduation.
The philosophy of Drop Back In Centers is simple: All
students can learn, although they may learn in different
ways on different days.
The centers are designed for young people ages 16-21,
who have already left the school system and want to earn
a standard High School diploma. These students who
have “fallen through the cracks” will now have the chance
to earn diplomas, as well as continue on to college and
become productive members of society.
Curriculum and Instruction
Counselors at the Drop Back In Center work with each
student to prepare a personal instructional plan that
addresses courses and credits required for graduation in
the state. In addition to state graduation requirement, this
plan is based on students’ transcripts, their personal goals
as well as a diagnostic assessment that the student takes
prior to starting a program at a Drop Back In Center.
The Drop Back In Center p rogram u ses a n i nstructional
model that combines online courses with face-to-face
direct instruction in one-on-one or small group settings.
Curriculum is aligned to individual state standards and
graduation requirements.
Online courses are provided through EdisonLearning®
eCourses. eCourses are self-paced enabling students to
complete coursework at their own pace. An eCourses
catalog is created for each Drop Back In Center to ensure
all state mandates are in place.
eCourses, combined with direct
instruction, provide a customized
learning experience with:
• modular structure which allows courses
to be adapted to individual learning needs
• multi-sensory engagement which
includes flash videos, podcasts of each
lesson, a printable textbook, digital
notebook for online note-taking,
forums, blogs and more
• an interactive learning environment,
called the Research Center, with chat
rooms, student collaboration and
teacher interaction
Monitoring Progress
Students are enrolled in eCourses through EdisonLearning®
eSchoolware platform. Students’ grades will be monitored
in the eSchoolware gradebook, including both eCourse
grades, as well daily grades from direct instruction.

2. eSchoolware and eCourses also provide a place for
teachers and students to communicate using forums,
announcements and messaging systems.
Flexible Scheduling
In most cases, the Drop Back In Center school day is
divided into two sessions – a morning session and an
afternoon session – with students enrolling in one session
or the other. If there is sufficient demand, a third evening
session can be added. This schedule enables the center
to provide students with the flexibility to complete High
School while working or supporting children or other
family members.
Facilities and Staffing
Each Drop Back In Center consists of a “pod” of 3-4 sites
that are strategically located to optimize enrollment and
student ease of access.
Each site meets the needs of the instructional model,
with at least one computer lab and one large room for
direct instruction.
A Lead Teacher is assigned to manage all aspects of the
individual site. A Teacher and Teacher’s Aide are at the site
to assist students with their daily activities using eCourses
or with direct instruction. Additional, an Administrator is
responsible for overseeing the instructional program and
operations at each pod.
Additional Support
In addition to assistance in planning a students’ course
schedule, the Guidance Counselor also supports students
on planning for life after graduation. This includes help
with job placement or partnering with community groups
for job training. The counselor also discusses with students
options for college, military or work.
Expertise and Proven Record of Success
EdisonLearning, currently with schools serving more
than 350,000 children, has over 20 years experience in
delivering high-quality, successful educational programs.
Its background as educators, along with its culture of
collaboration and partnership, make EdisonLearning a true
innovator in the education field.
Since 1997, Alternatives Unlimited (AU) has partnered with
urban and suburban school districts throughout the United
States to provide high quality, cost-effective educational
opportunities to the most challenging students, including
Drop Back in program. They have a clear track record of
success with an 85% pass rate.
The Benefits are Clear
Opening a Drop Back In Center gives you an opportunity
to address the needs of an often undeserved population
in the community, those who have dropped out of
high school. You will also be making a contribution to
improving the college and work readiness of young adults
in your community.
Additionally, for school districts, working with EdisonLearning
to set up a Drop Back In Center offers the added benefits
of increasing graduation rates in your district, without
incurring the cost or resources necessary to do this.
Find Out More
For more information, please call us at
1-800-I-CAN-LEARN (1-877-422-6532), e-mail
us at information@edisonlearning.com or visit
us online at www.edisonlearning.com/dropbackin.
Working together for student success™
www.edisonlearning.com/dropbackin
© 2010 EdisonLearning, Inc. All rights reserved
EdisonLearning® and the EdisonLearning logo
are registered trademarks of EdisonLearning, Inc.
Offering details are subject to change, and may vary by individual
client engagement. Student and school performance depends on many
variables; as such, specific results are not guaranteed and may vary.
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485 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.edisonlearning.com