More Students Stay on Track as Aldine ISD Expands Dropout Prevention Supports

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Districtwide monitoring, early interventions, recovery efforts, and flexible learning options help more students stay connected to school.

Aldine ISD’s dropout prevention supports are helping students like Lizeth Flores (in white) from Hall Success Academy stay on track to graduate from high school. Lizeth poses with her AISD support team comprised of (l-r) Bianca Honore’, Victory Early College High School academic counselor; Phillip Kent, virtual school social studies teacher; Shanaya Anderson, Aldine ISD director of online learning; and LaShunda Brown, virtual school ELA teacher (in red).

Kevin had stopped coming to school.

Balancing work, family, and home, Kevin, a fifth-year senior, struggled with traditional school hours, making graduation unlikely.

But Aldine ISD staff did not stop looking for a way to help him finish.

Denisha Brown, student support specialist at Eisenhower High School, reached out to Kevin and shared a new opportunity Aldine ISD had created for students who needed a more flexible path to complete their graduation requirements and earn a high school diploma.

“The first thing Kevin said was, ‘Ms. Brown I work during the day, so I can’t come in person,’” Brown said.

Brown explained that the district had recently implemented a night school option designed specifically for students like him — students who were still determined to graduate but needed a different schedule to make it possible.

Once Kevin learned he could continue working during the day while attending school in the evening, Brown said he became excited and hopeful about the possibility of finally graduating.

For Kevin, night school was not a second shift. It was a second chance.

From that point forward, Kevin demonstrated determination and commitment. Despite working during the day, he attended night classes, stayed focused on his coursework, and remained enthusiastic. Earning his diploma mattered not only for his future but also to be a positive role model for his siblings, showing them the importance of perseverance and education.

Student Gabriel Vásquez holds his certificate indicating he has earned his credits to graduate from high school.

On May 29, 2025, Kevin walked the stage at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center and received his diploma. Family members cheered as the moment celebrated his dedication and determination.

For Aldine ISD, Kevin’s story reflects the purpose behind the district’s ongoing dropout prevention work: keeping students connected to school, supporting them through challenges, and helping them graduate with more choices and opportunities for the future.

Progress Through Persistence

The most recent reported data show encouraging progress. Aldine ISD’s four-year longitudinal dropout rate for the Class of 2024 was 11%, down from 16% for the Class of 2023. The Class of 2025 data will be released June 24, 2026, and district leaders believe the continued implementation of student supports will help sustain the progress.

“A high school diploma opens up the door to completely change the path of choices and opportunities,” said Diaka R. Melendez, Aldine ISD chief of school improvement and student support services.

Nearly three years ago, Aldine ISD began implementing more consistent districtwide procedures and guidelines to monitor students from the time they enroll through any withdrawal process. The goal is to better understand where students are, why they may be disengaging, and what support may help them return to school or stay on track.

Finding Students Before They Fall Too Far Behind

When students reach certain attendance thresholds, campus and district staff respond. Aldine ISD issues early warnings when students reach a third absence and requires attendance contracts after a ninth absence. When students or families share that they are experiencing difficulties, staff connect them with counselors, support services, and other resources.

The district also uses dropout recovery specialists, who visit homes and work directly with campuses to reconnect students to school.

“All of our high schools have made a serious effort not only to maintain the cohort of students who enter each year, but also to locate students who are missing and those who may have stopped attending school,” Melendez said. “Our student support specialists — certified counselors — work closely with our seniors and students at risk of dropping out.”

Those efforts are supported by campus administrators, counselors, student support specialists, dropout recovery staff, teachers, and district leaders who work together to identify barriers and help students find a path forward.

A Flexible Path Back to Graduation

Aldine ISD has also expanded options for students who may need a different setting or schedule to complete their high school education. In spring 2025, the district brought back a night school model for the first time in nearly a decade, creating another pathway for students who needed targeted support to recover credits and return to their graduating cohort.

Student Jennifer Bonilla has something to smile about after earning the credits she needed to graduate.

Since the program returned, 46 students have participated. In spring 2025, 25 students enrolled in night school and 23 graduated, for a 92% completion rate. In spring 2026, 21 students are participating, and all 21 are currently on track to graduate, representing a projected 100% success rate for that group.

Dr. Shanaya Anderson, Aldine ISD director of online learning, said the program reflects the district’s commitment to providing flexible learning opportunities and targeted support for students who may be at risk of falling behind.

“Online Learning provides a flexible and accessible pathway for students to recover credits, remain connected to school, and continue progressing toward graduation,” Anderson said. “The model allows students to receive support in a setting that meets their needs while maintaining high expectations for learning and completion.”

Student Emmanuel Espinoza holds his certificate and cap and gown after earning his credits to graduate.

Anderson said the teachers selected for the program bring strong content knowledge, specialized training in intervention strategies, and experience supporting students who may need additional support to stay engaged.

“Through personalized support and meaningful connections, these educators help students build confidence, stay engaged in their coursework, and believe in their ability to graduate successfully,” Anderson said.

The approach reflects a simple but important belief: students are more likely to graduate when the district stays connected to them and responds to their needs.

“Being present is the single most important factor,” Melendez said. “If you are there, we will do everything in our power to get you graduated.”

Why a Diploma Still Matters

The stakes are high. In today’s workforce, a high school diploma remains a critical gateway to employment, further education, military service, training programs, and long-term economic opportunity. Students who leave school without a diploma often face fewer choices and more limited opportunities.

“Gone are the days when a diploma wasn’t needed to secure a job,” Melendez said.

For the broader Aldine ISD community, a lower dropout rate has implications beyond the classroom. More graduates mean more students prepared to enter college, career, or the workforce, strengthening families and supporting long-term community outcomes.

Melendez said the impact is generational.

“It helps build a stronger community where education is valued and opportunity is within reach,” she said. “When students earn their diploma, they are not limited by the absence of one. They have more choices for their future, and they can help create a culture of education for the next generation.”

Connected to the District’s Vision

The work also aligns with Aldine ISD’s Accelerate strategic plan, which states that all Aldine ISD students will receive a dynamic and unparalleled education that guarantees choices and opportunities today and in the future. The district’s mission is to provide a rigorous and enriching educational experience that prepares every student for success in college, career, and life.

Student Jessica López proudly holds her certificate, earning her spot to walk with her class to receive her high school diploma.

Keeping students enrolled and on track to graduation directly supports that vision.

While the district has made progress, challenges remain. Melendez noted that Aldine ISD must continue to monitor the broader climate in Texas and its potential impact on families’ decisions and students’ ability to stay connected to school.

Still, Aldine ISD’s approach remains focused on presence, persistence, and support.

The message to students is clear: If you are here, Aldine ISD will work with you. If you have stepped away, the district wants to help you find your way back. And if you are facing barriers, there are people ready to help you keep moving toward graduation.

Because in Aldine ISD, a diploma is more than a finish line. It is a doorway to choices, opportunities, and a future with more possibilities.

That is an #AldineStory worth telling.