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Why Open Doors?
Why Open Doors?
For over 20 years, school districts, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations have worked to create partnerships that focus on providing appropriate educational pathways for older, disengaged youth who, for a variety of environmental and individual factors, struggle to complete their high school diploma, even providing an on-ramp to post-secondary achievement.
Open Doors programs (WAC 392-700) provide education and services to youth, ages 16-21, and are specifically designed to help at-risk students work towards the educational goal of their choice - (even multiple goals!) - such as a:
GED,
High school diploma,
Two-year college degree, or
Technical or vocational certificate.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
In order for students to participate in an Open Doors program, they must meet certain eligibility requirements:
Students must be 16 years old by September 01 of the school year.
Students must not be older than 21 by September 01 of the school year, but can maintain enrollment for the entire school year during which they reach age 21.
Students must not have a high school diploma - students with a GED are okay and welcome!
Traditionally be significantly credit deficient (or have a counselor recommendation stating that they are unlikely to graduate from a traditional or alternative high school by the age of 21).
Types of Programs
Types of Programs
Though Open Doors program models vary, the framework remains constant: individualized academic instruction, case management support, career-oriented skill-building in age-appropriate learning environments, and free!
Open Doors programs are specifically designed to help at-risk students work towards the educational goal of their choice, with many students who accomplish multiple goals.
Now matter the program type, the primary goal of every Open Doors program is: to issue a high school diploma to its students.
The Benefits of an Open Doors Program
The Benefits of an Open Doors Program
There are any number of reasons student don't, or aren't able to, complete their high school diplomas by their established graduation year.
To begin with, not all Open Doors students "drop out" of high school. Below are some of the most common reasons a student might access an Open Doors program:
History of failure
Chronic absenteeism
Homeschooled
Incarceration/addiction
Moved around
Chronic illness
Specialized instruction (self-contained)
Next, students today face unique challenges that can increase their risk of leaving school early:
Increased difficulty transitioning back to in-person learning after COVID
Dispassionate about traditional schooling options and environments
The “drama” of high school
Current or past bullying
Trust issues
Want a fresh start away from old/bad habits
Need case management/accountability/monitoring
Lastly, many Open Doors programs have higher percentages of students with disabilities:
504/IEP
Acute trauma
Mental illness
Remember: "not now doesn't mean 'not ever'."
Remember: "not now doesn't mean 'not ever'."
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