Resources
For Educators
As educators, you represent the backbone of our national educational system and are on the front lines in reversing this alarming high school dropout epidemic. Your role is to prepare students for college or the workforce and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life. You will serve as the catalysts for change in this new era as we attempt to address the reasons why so many students leave school without a diploma and unprepared to face the world. The realities of schools, where in some districts nearly 75 percent of students attend schools where graduating is less than a 60 percent proposition, make this task more challenging but no less critical.
Students who have dropped out consistently say they believe classroom instruction should more closely mirror real-life experiences and needs to be more relevant to the world at large. Internships, service learning projects, and other real-world learning opportunities are just a sampling of the kinds of programs that might more effectively engage at-risk students. Smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and one on one teaching can also improve outcomes for these students. Basic discipline, increased supervision and school safety efforts can help as well. And sometimes, just giving a student a pat on the back or praise for a job well done can go a long way toward keeping he or she connected to the school environment.
Schools also need to identify adult advocates who can link up with at-risk students and help guide them throughout their academic careers, and need to remain committed to keeping the lines of communication open between parents and faculty. Parental involvement is often the key to maintaining student engagement.
As educators, you have the opportunity to affect real, meaningful change in the lives of many at-risk students. We know you are committed to reversing this alarming dropout trend and we welcome your input as we convene a national dialogue on this critical issue.
