Dropout Recovery Program (DRP)

What is a Dropout Recovery Program (DRP)?

  • A dropout recovery program (DRP) is dedicated to providing youth who have left the education system with the resources and supports necessary to complete and obtain a high school diploma in an alternative setting. 
  • DRPs may be offered by, but are not limited to, online programs.

 

For requirements and expectations, please explore the sections below. 

  • Please read the Arizona law implementing the DRP programs: A.R.S. §15-901.06 (http://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00901-06.htm)
  • Must have alternative school status.
    • Information about the requirements for Alternative School Status and the application process is available here: http://www.azed.gov/accountability-research/altschoolapp/.
    • Questions about Alternative School Status should be directed to [email protected].
    • Note: Alternative school status must be renewed each year, separately from annual DRP renewal. Please see the alternative school site for application timeline dates.

  • Any school district or charter district that provides instruction to high school students has the ability to offer a DRP for eligible pupils.  However, a provider of Arizona online instruction (AOI) pursuant to A.R.S. §15-808 may not also operate a DRP.
  • School districts and charter districts may contract with an educational management organization (EMO) to provide a DRP. If contracting with an EMO, the LEA shall ensure that all of the following requirements are met:
    • The EMO is accredited by a regional accrediting body;
    • Teachers provided by the EMO hold a current teaching license from any state and a valid Arizona fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section A.R.S. §15-534; and, 
    • Teachers of core subjects provided by the EMO are highly qualified in the subjects to which they are assigned.

  • An LEA must be approved to offer an Alternative School entity.
  • Apply for approval to operate a DRP. For application documents, contact [email protected].
  • If a charter district is sponsored by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools:
    • Charter holder shall submit a program of instruction amendment request to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools that adds methods of instruction for the dropout recovery program.
    • If necessary, the charter agreement shall be amended by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools to be consistent with the addition of a dropout recovery program.  Amendments necessary may include, but not limited to:
      • Expansion requests
      • Charter mission amendment request
      • Instructional days amendment request
  •  LEAs (including charters) shall submit the following, and annually submit renewal updates, to [email protected]:
    • Signed and completed Dropout Recovery Program Assurances; and,
    • Written Learning Plan template containing the following:
      • Start and anticipated end dates
      • Courses to be completed by the pupil during the academic year
      • Specify if the courses listed will be taken sequentially or concurrently
      • LEA's definition of Satisfactory Monthly Progress

Once ADE receives the documents:

  • A review process will take place 
  • If satisfactory, an approval letter will be emailed to the LEA
  • ADE School Finance office will begin the implementation process within the ADE systems
  • If unsatisfactory, the LEA will be notified of the next steps

DRPs are required to annually submit updated renewal documentation to continue providing DRP services to students. All annual reports are due to the Arizona Department of Education by July 31st of each year. Annual Reports should be submitted to [email protected]. 

Annual renewal documentation includes:

  • Signed and completed Dropout Recovery Program Assurances; and,
  • Written Learning Plan template containing the following:
    • Start and anticipated end dates
    • Courses to be completed by the pupil during the academic year
    • Specify if the courses listed will be taken sequentially or concurrently
    • LEA's definition of Satisfactory Monthly Progress

Additionally, DRPs are required to submit Annual Reports - failure to submit a complete and accurate annual report may jeopardize renewal. See Annual Reporting, below.

DRPs are required to annually submit all statutorily required outcomes reports to the Arizona Department of Education by July 31st of each year.

Annual statutory outcome reports as defined by A.R.S. §15-901.06:

On or before July 31 of each year, each school and educational management organization that provides a dropout recovery program shall report to the Department of Education the following information in the form and manner prescribed by the Department:

  • The total number of students who satisfy both of the following requirements during the fiscal year:
    • Are continuously enrolled in the dropout recovery program for at least eighty school days; and,
    • Earn at least four and a half credits, or earn all the remaining credits that the student needs for graduation.
  • The total number of students who are enrolled in the dropout recovery program on or before January 31 during the fiscal year and who either:
    • Graduated before January 31; or,
    • Met all of the following requirements on January 31:
      • Were enrolled in the dropout recovery program; and,
      • Needed three or fewer credits to satisfy the graduation requirements prescribed by the state board of education; and,
      • Needed one or fewer credits in mathematics to satisfy the graduation requirements prescribed by the state board of education.
  • The percentage of students described in paragraph 2 of this subsection who graduated during the fiscal year.
  • The percentage of students described in paragraph 2 of this subsection who earned at least one college and career readiness indicator point.

  • Note: Failure to comply with annual DRP reporting requirements may impact a school’s DRP status.