Dropout Intervention/Prevention Plans and Activities. Report to Board of Education.

In February 1986, a Dropout Prevention Office was created by the superintendent of the Denver (Colorado) Public Schools to develop a comprehensive approach to address the dropout issue. The Office was also to evaluate existing dropout efforts, and serve as a clearinghouse on dropout programs and information and as an encouragement to partnerships between the schools and the community. This report updates the accomplishments and activities of the Office as of October 1986. Parts 1 and 2 list the current and projected activities of the Office, including the following: (1) conferences; (2) development of a definition for "dropout"; (3) participation in the governor's task force; (4) meetings and testimony; and (5) institution of remedial and individualized programs, and a jobs program. Part 3 reviews the district's approach to solving the dropout problem. Part 4 is a list of recommendations for the continuation of the program. They include the following: (1) the community should be informed of the program; (2) an action plan should be developed; (3) principals should conduct a needs assessment survey; (4) a human relations training program should be explored; (5) policies and procedures for introduction and evaluation should be developed; and (6) the interventions must be focused at elementary and preschool levels. Appendices and a 44-item bibliography are included. (VM)