When OCIP^® was initiated at Clearwater High School the results were striking. The number of suspensions as a percentage of total student enrollment declined rapidly from 56.3% in 94/95, prior to when the program was initiated, to 18.15% in school year 99/00. Simultaneously, the drop out rate declined from 3.5% in 94/95 to 1.8% in 97/98.

The success of OCIP^® at Clearwater High School has led to its expansion in both middle and high schools within Pinellas County through several different avenues. The Police Chief in Largo encouraged initiation of an OCIP^® in Largo High School in 1998 and in Largo Middle School in 1999. In June 1998, the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board voted to make $228,000 available annually to expand OCIP^® into three middle schools. The School Advisory Council at Tarpon Springs High School encouraged initiation of an OCIP^® at their school in the 99/00 school year.

The findings presented below are based on both quantitative and qualitative data. Though some evaluation work remains to be done, we are pleased to be able to report that the results so far are very encouraging. The data appear to support all aspects of the theory of change implied by OCIP^®.

Overview of Findings

Outcomes

72% of students served in middle schools and 76% of students served in high school did not receive subsequent referrals to the program during the school year.

92% of students served in both middle and high schools successfully completed the program without being referred out for discipline issues.

There was an across-the-board reduction in out of school suspensions where the programs are fully implemented. (Average 49% reduction in middle schools and 34% reduction in high schools.)

A high level of satisfaction among principals and assistant principals was noted.

There was a generally favorable response from teachers, especially after a period of learning about the program directly. Many teachers were enthusiastic about the program, and able to recount cases of lasting improvement in the behavior of individual students.

The anecdotal responses from families indicated favorable results regarding their children.

There were stories of successful experiences from students, parents, teacher, assistant principals, and OCIP^® staff members.

Process

Successes

Even in the first year of operation, the program’s effect can often be felt by teachers, administrators, and students.

At the more successful sites, OCIP^® teacher and OCIP^® counselor have been able to develop strong, cooperative relationships, which appear greatly to enhance program effectiveness.

Follow-up work with students and the ability of students to “drop in” after completing the program appears to fill a need of some students for a stable adult "anchor" in the school.

Teachers who maintain contact with OCIP^® staff report higher levels of satisfaction than those who have little contact.

Principals and assistant principals seem to be learning to use OCIP^® as a valuable alternative to suspension, and as a tool in subtle and complex dealings with troubled students.

Conclusion

OCIP^® has demonstrated promising results and is a high quality, positive response to common school problems. As such, it deserves to be supported, nurtured, enhanced and invigorated continuously. The anecdotal information gathered along with the suspension documentation from each school indicates a causal effect between the program services and the reduced suspension rates. There are also indications that the students who participate in the program demonstrate improved behavior, stronger communication and problem-solving skills. Most students appear to demonstrate a renewed interest in their academic performance and return to the classroom environment ready to learn. The full extent of the program achievements as well as its long-term effects should be thoroughly evaluated in the future; however, the preliminary results from this evaluation have been very exciting with a positive impact on the students, parents, teaching staff, school administration and counselors.

* A complete report is available upon request.