Check & Connect
Check & Connect is an evidence-based intervention developed by the University of Minnesota intended for K-12 students who show warning signs of disengagement and are at risk of dropping out. Check & Connect pairs each student with a caring, trained Mentor who utilizes student data to create personalized, timely interventions that help solve problems, build skills, and enhance competence.
Our Approach
At the core of Check & Connect is a trusting relationship between the student and a caring, trained mentor who both advocates for and challenges the student while consistently reinforcing the importance of school. Mentors routinely monitor student data (including attendance, behavior, and academic data) to create personalized one-on-one connection time with identified students while engaging families to problem-solve and enhance the partnership between home and school.
CREA customizes Check & Connect implementation support based on school needs. Support can include:
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Preparation training for school leadership teams
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Training for individuals serving in the role of Mentor
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Ongoing support and technical assistance is also provided to ensure the program is implemented with fidelity and evaluated for effectiveness
Check & Connect Cornerstones
Mentor
The mentor functions as a liaison between student, family, and school, building a strong relationship based on mutual trust and open communication.
The "Check"
The “Check” component of this intervention consists of the Mentor conducting weekly reviews of the student’s ABCs: attendance, behavior, and coursework
The "Connect"
The mentor provides personalized, timely interventions to help students solve problems, build skills, increase engagement, and emphasize the importance of staying in school.
Family Engagement
Mentors partner with families as liaisons between home and school, striving to build supportive family-school relationships.
