Agenda Item
a. Update on the Impact and Evaluation of Half Cap Ceremonies
Summary: Presented by: Champion Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership
Half Cap
Ceremony
A Presentation of Data & Effectiveness
For DeKalb County School District Board
April 20, 2026
Presented by Michelle Dillard,
Chief of Schools & Leadership
HALF
CAP CEREMONY
TESTIMONIALS
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BACKGROUND &
HISTORY
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6
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ALIGNMENT
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STRATEGIC PLAN INDICATOR ALIGNMENT
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION STRATEGIC PLAN INDICATOR(S)
Recognizes scholars who earn 10 or more credits, pass required courses, and complete 1.3 CCRPI Growth
Goal 1:
Half Cap Ceremony Milestone BRIDGE Law requirements while progressing toward the 4E pathways of education, 1.4 Graduation Rate
Academic Success
employment, enlistment, and entrepreneurship 1.6 Pathway Completion
Scholar Tracking and Verification Counselor led transcript reviews identify scholars who are on track for graduation and Goal 1: 1.3 CCRPI Growth
System advancing toward the district’s 4E postsecondary readiness goals Academic Success 1.4 Graduation Rate
2.1 Family Participation
Formal invitations, performances, and celebrations engage families and community partners Goal 2:
Family Invitations and Ceremonies 2.2 Communication Quality
in supporting scholars on their path to the 4E pathways Family and Community Engagement
2.5 Inclusive Engagement
Scholar Reflection and Scholar Scholar speeches and testimonials from upperclassmen highlight real experiences connected Goal 4: 4.1 School Belonging
Voice to education, careers, military service, and entrepreneurship Culture and Climate 4.4 Attendance
Regalia, music, and celebration build school pride and reinforce scholars’ commitment to Goal 4: 4.1 Climate Ratings
School Pride and Culture Building
graduation and the 4E pathways Culture and Climate 4.3 PBIS Implementation
3.2 Leadership Pipeline
Counselor and School-Based Senior advisors, assistant principals, counselors, and class sponsors coordinate ceremony Goal 3:
3.5 Professional Learning
Planning Teams logistics and monitor scholar progress toward graduation Talent
3.6 Induction & Mentoring
Connection to P.U.S.H. Plan & Half Cap serves as a strategic checkpoint within the Secondary P.U.S.H. Plan to monitor Goal 6: 6.3 Technology Systems
Graduation Tracker scholar progress toward graduation and the 4E pathways Organizational Excellence 6.5 Operational Effectiveness
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STRATEGIC PLAN: SMARTAO GOAL
Source: DeKalb County School District Strategic Plan 11
TIMELINE OF
IMPLEMENTATION
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th
10 GRADE RETENTION
DATA ANALYSIS
QUANTITATIVE
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Nearly 50% reduction in retained 10th graders over four years
Largest decreases coincide with expansion of Half-Cap implementation
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th
10 GRADE RETENTION
DATA ANALYSIS
QUALITATIVE
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PARTICIPANT PERCEPTION DATA
Improved attendance among participants:
59% agree
Fewer discipline incidents:
59% agree
Increased motivation and graduation focus:
69% agree
Half-Cap reduces retention and increases motivation:
80% agree
District supports tied to Half-Cap improve readiness:
87% agree
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INCENTIVES AND
OUTCOMES
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HOW INCENTIVES DRIVE OUTCOMES
Incentive-Based Action Intended Impact Strategic Connection
1.4 Graduation Rate
Awarding caps, medals, and Encourages scholars to view themselves as “on
4.1 Belonging & School
certificates the path” to graduation
Climate
Publicly naming and celebrating 4.1 School Belonging
Builds scholar confidence and pride
scholars 2.1 Family Engagement
Inviting families and showcasing Increases accountability and family-school 2.1 Family Participation
success partnership 2.5 Trust & Engagement
Ceremonial recognition before 1.3 CCRPI Growth
Creates momentum for finishing strong
senior year 1.6 Pathway Completion
“Soft reset” for scholars slightly Promotes re-engagement through proximity to 4.4 Attendance
off track celebrated peers 5.1 Mental Health Supports
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AND
CONCLUSIONS
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DIFFERENCE MAKERS 24
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THANK YOU!
Comments & Questions
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