High School Dropouts

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The outlook for high school dropouts is bleak. The reasons students quit school are many. The number of schools now labeled a "dropout factory" are rising.

The solution to this growing problem lies in a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

Causes and Solutions

It used to be common for high school dropouts to leave school and still live comfortably. Studies show that for most dropouts, those days are over. School districts nationwide are stepping up efforts to curb the dropout problem and give students a better chance in life.

The Outlook for School Dropouts

In a workforce requiring highly skilled labor, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for even entry-level jobs. Studies reveal that dropouts have a greater chance of:

• being unemployed or underemployed
• relying on public assistance
• having limited opportunities for career advancement
• becoming single parents
• ending up in prison
• earning millions of dollars less over their entire work career than those with college and advanced degrees

Knowing that dropouts face dismal prospects, it's important for school districts and communities to make this problem a priority. To develop effective ways to keep students in school, teachers and principals must understand factors that cause students to leave school.

The Causes of High School Dropouts

Students drop out of school for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

• pregnancy
• dislike of school
• negative relationships with teachers
• poor academic performance
• poor attendance
• conflicting and demanding work commitments
• family support issues

Solutions also vary. A comprehensive dropout prevention program includes:

• identification and analysis of local level causes
• coordination of available resources and support systems
• implementation of teacher and principal training
• commitment from the entire community

Does your staff development program include dropout prevention strategies?