Dropouts

1. Why Do Students Dropout? Studies have shown that the vast majority (over 80%) of students dropout for school related issues. Reasons include frustration, poor performance, poor relationships with teachers and a general lack of engagement and interest. These problems far outweigh personal issues, such as pregnancy or the need for employment, as causes for dropping out. This places much of the responsibility for the dropout crisis on the Educational establishment. Dropouts From uga.edu From The Albuquerque Journal, May 21 Solutions More attention to Middle School performance and extra help for at risk students immediately upon entry to High School. Communication between Middle and High Schools needs to be improved. Attendance is one of the crucial factors. Studies advocate a “Three Tiered” approach. The majority of the students are encouraged to attend with social events and campaigns. The remaining 15-20%, for whom this is insufficient, are given “targeted interventions” which include parent-teacher conferences, attendance contracts, and daily “check ins” from teachers assigned to monitor their progress. The final tier is given an “intensive intervention,” which involves meeting with a panel of administrators and councilors. School needs to be more engaging and relevant to the learners. One way of achieving this is involving members of the local business community to work with students. The myth that there is “easy money” for dropouts needs to be dispelled. The Economics of Dropping Out Dispel the Myth: “The richest man in my neighborhood, the one with the fanciest car, he ain’t got but an eight grade education.” -High School Student Only 4/10 Dropouts 16-19 years old have jobs. Only 6/10 20-24 year old dropouts are legally employed. Those that are employed have seen their average wage drop over 30% since the 1970’s, to a level barely above the poverty line. For those who choose to work in the underground economy, the outlook is also bleak. The majority of the U.S. prison population consists of dropouts. Income rates are usually low when considered over the long term. Approximately 30% of students dropout. In many schools 50% do. Early Warning Signs If a Middle School student has even one F in English or Math, or under 80% attendance rate they have a 50% chance of dropping out in High School. The great majority of students who get one or more F in 9th grade stay in school at least 1 to 2 more additional years. This offers an important window of opportunity. 71% of dropouts say they lost interest in school in the 9th grade. Clearly the transition between Middle School an High school is the time to focus on in preventing further dropouts.