DPI Exposé - National Dropout Prevention Center

Impact Narrative

South Carolina Schools Boost Graduation Rates through DPI Program

Custom Dropout Prevention Plans Lead to Reduced Referrals and Higher Graduation Rates

The South Carolina Department of Education integrated the National Dropout Prevention Center’s Diploma Planning Institute (DPI) program to tackle one of the state’s most pressing challenges—improving graduation rates among at-risk students. Through a focused, data-driven approach, schools across the state developed and implemented custom dropout prevention plans that have transformed their efforts. With hands-on guidance from NDPC specialists, these schools saw measurable improvements, demonstrating the powerful impact of a well-executed plan. Discover how this strategic initiative empowered schools to achieve real results and set a new standard for success in dropout prevention.

Addressing the Issue

In South Carolina, schools were facing challenges in improving graduation rates among at-risk students. Despite various initiatives, these schools struggled with inconsistent and unfocused dropout prevention efforts, leading to a need for a more strategic, data-driven approach. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the South Carolina Department of Education, in collaboration with the Transition Alliance of South Carolina, sought a comprehensive solution to empower schools to develop and implement effective dropout prevention plans tailored to their unique circumstances.

Tailored Support through the Diploma Planning Institute

The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) introduced the Diploma Planning Institute (DPI) to tackle this challenge head-on. This three-day intensive workshop guided school-level teams through the process of creating customized, research-based dropout prevention plans. The DPI moved schools away from random acts of dropout prevention toward systematic, measurable strategies, enabling them to address their specific challenges with clear, actionable plans.

During the DPI, participants engaged in a deep dive into the factors contributing to student dropouts, with a strong focus on local data and school-specific issues. The sessions covered essential topics such as risk factor identification, effective dropout prevention strategies, and the development of Graduation Improvement Plans. Attendees were guided through analyzing their own student data, selecting targeted interventions, and aligning these with existing School Improvement Plans. This hands-on approach, led by NDPC specialists, ensured that each team left with a practical, school-specific plan to improve student outcomes. The involvement of the Transition Alliance of South Carolina further bolstered the initiative, creating a collaborative environment focused on achieving measurable improvements.

Tangible Outcomes and Measurable Success

The impact of the Diploma Planning Institute in South Carolina has been profound. At Colleton County High School, office referrals decreased by 26% from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 school year, and the number of students off grade level dropped by an 46% during the same period. Meanwhile, Byrnes High School saw a significant increase in its graduation rate, rising from 85.5% in 2023 to 90% in 2024.

Project Leads

Nancy Nielsen

Senior Consultant & Certification Program Specialist

Thomas Hawkins

Manager of Content & Innovation

Todd Daggett

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Anthony Nottingham

Executive and Leadership Coach

Take the next step in improving your school's graduation rates!

Contact us today to learn more about the Diploma Planning Institute or to schedule a customized DPI for your team. Click the Contact Us button below and fill out our inquiry form. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to provide you with all the information you need and help you plan your event. Alternatively you can contact Todd Daggett, at tdaggett@spnetwork.org with the subject line “Diploma Planning Institute” or give the National Dropout Prevention Center a call at (518) 723-2063 for more information about this service.

By clicking the “Contact Us” button, you’ll be redirected to the Successful Practices Network website, where you can reach our team directly. SPN is the parent organization of the National Dropout Prevention Center, ensuring a unified approach to serving your needs.