After the first year of a mentoring pilot program is free for the school but costs if continued, what best informs continuation decision?

• A. Student performance indicators related to campus goals.
• B. The number of mentors enrolled.
• C. The cost of the program to the district.
• D. The marketing plan for the program.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to base a continuation decision on evidence of actual impact on students. After the first year is free, whether to keep the mentoring program hinges on whether it helps students meet the school's goals. If the student performance indicators show meaningful improvements aligned with campus goals (grades, behavior, attendance, graduation milestones, etc.), that demonstrates the program’s value and supports continuing it despite the upcoming cost. If those indicators don’t show improvement, continuing would likely not be justified, even if there are many mentors or a solid marketing plan. Inputs like how many mentors are enrolled or how the program is marketed don’t by themselves prove effectiveness, and while cost is important to consider, the strongest guide is the measured outcomes for students.