The Check and Connect model uses a comprehensive approach toward promoting students' engagement with schools. Key features of the model are interrelated and include the following:

• Relationship Building: mutual trust and open communication, nurtured through long-term commitment that is focused on students' educational success.

• Routine Monitoring of Alterable Indications: systematically checking warning signs of withdrawal (attendance, academic performance, behavior) that are readily available to school personnel and that can be altered through intervention.

• Individualized and Timely Intervention: support that is tailored to individual student needs, based on level of engagement with school, associated influences of home and school, and the leveraging of local resources.

• Long-Term Commitment: committing to students and families for at least two years, including the ability to follow highly mobile youth from school to school and program to program.

• Persistent Plus: refers to a persistent source of academic motivation, a continuity of familiarity with the youth and family, and a consistency in the message that "education is important for your future."

• Problem-Solving: designed to promote the acquisition of skills to resolve conflict constructively and to look for solutions rather than a source of blame.

• Affiliation with School and Learning: facilitating students' access to and active participation in school-related events and activities.

From:

Check and Connect Web site: http://ici.umn.edu/checkandconnect.