New York's web-based data collection/reporting sites:
Main SPP site for NYS (http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/spp/home.html)
NYS SPP#14 information and directions (http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/spp/indicators/14.htm)
NYS Transition site (http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition/)
Public reporting (http://To be developed)
To be negotiated
~107
The samples were compated to 618 data reports and Census data for the state.
Last spring, districts sent letters home to inform student and their families about the SPP reporting and the follow-up survey. It explained why their participation is important, and that participation was confidential and voluntary. This initial letter provided the name of district staff who could be contacted for more information. Districts were asked to submit up to three sets of contact information including the student, their family, and an alternate contact, for each exiter. The contractor also sends several letters to the former students and their families. In addition to informing/reminding them about the survey and why they should participate, these letters test the accuracy/currency of the address that was provided. These letters are sent with "Address Service Requested "under the return address. Because of this service request the post office will send us the forwarding address for forwarded mail. There are fees associated with this service. (See http://www.usps.com/businessmail101/addressing/specialAddress.htm ). New addresses are followed up on. The letter request updated phone numbers. Where no addresses or phone numbers reach the former student or their family, their district is asked for updated contact information. To increase convenience for respondents, three response modes are available: phone, mail, and web. A toll-free number is provided to call back with. The contractor's Call Center is staffed seven days per week to increase the chances of contacting and interviewing former students.
Language preference and accomodations needed to participate in the survey.
Youth who are eligible to return to school are asked if they are enrolled. Youth who dropped out are asked why, and what would have helped then stay in school. There are questions about the awareness of, and access to adult services. If requested, contact information is provided for these agencies/services.
April through June, at "one-year-out".
See "Overview Of The State Performance Plan Development" at: http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/spp/plan/overview.htm on the NYSED Website for this information.
Confidentiality policies prevent sharing information between state agencies. If confidentiality issues were addressed, which is unlikely, a student identifier that is tracked/used by schools and state agencies would need to be developed and implemented.
Districts reporting on SPP#13 each year are SPP#14 districts the next year in the cycle. By adding specific questions for youth who dropped out (see 7a), we gather information from them that can be used for strategic planning to increase graduation rates.