Understanding Montana's Early Warning System

• In Event: The Impacts of Programs, Policy, and the Pandemic

Abstract

Montana began using an Early Warning System (EWS) for dropouts in 2012. Currently, about 100 districts use
the EWS annually. This mixed method study assesses the efficacy of the EWS. We first examine the relationship
between predicted graduation and dropout and actual outcomes. We find few errors. Students who were predicted
to drop out but instead graduated are one measure of the “success” of the EWS system as schools may have
implemented interventions in response to the warning. Second, we examine outcomes of EWS adopting and nonadopting
schools. The results indicate a pattern of improved graduation rates among adopting schools. To
complement the statistical results, investigators survey school leaders about program implementation.

Authors

• Robin Lee Clausen, State of Montana - Office of Public Instruction
  Presenting Author

• Chris Stoddard, Montana State University
  Presenting Author

• Andrew Hill, Montana State University
  Presenting Author