NEWPORT, R.I. - A collaborative effort between Salve Regina and the Newport Public Schools to address the dropout crisis will be showcased during the 21st annual National Dropout Prevention Network Conference being held through Oct. 28 in San Antonio.

Dr. Kathleen Vespia, assistant professor of education, and Dr. Christine Bond, assistant professor of education, will join one of their students, Erin Powell '11, along with Rogers High School Principal Patti DiCenso, in presenting "University and Public High School Collaboration: Addressing the Needs of At-Risk Pre-Service Teachers and High School Students."

As part of the collaboration, the University's Department of Education developed a new course requirement, "Tutoring and Mentoring in a Multicultural Society." The program, held in conjunction with Rogers High School, has Salve Regina students working with high school students to help them overcome obstacles in their pursuit of a diploma. Mentors provide support in academic areas and social areas, such as goal setting and problem solving.

The program benefits students at both Rogers and Salve Regina, as both groups of students develop the skills and dispositions to face the challenges involved in their work in a public school setting.

Groundwork for the collaborative effort, which included secondary education students and faculty, as well as stakeholders in the community, took place in spring 2009 with a goal of creating community awareness of the problem. Last May, the group's efforts brought the community together at the Jane Pickens Theater to view the film "Accelerating America" and set a course of action.

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