The Silent Epidemic
How You Can Help
- The solution begins with knowing your school district's true, on-time graduation rate. Because inaccurate graduation rates have historically masked the magnitude of the problem, this new knowledge is a wake-up call for many communities.
- Accurate accounts of students who dropout and students who successfully complete the coursework requirements are helping communities to marshal concrete steps that can be taken at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college and work.
Learn about the 10-point plan released at the May 9th national "Summit on America's Silent Epidemic." More than 100 organizations that represent a full range of educator and community stakeholders with disparate political stripes support these 10 action steps to reduce dropouts.- Be a mentor or adult advocate for a student or students in your area
- Encourage the local business community or your employer to create internships, service learning opportunities and/or summer jobs programs for high school students in your community
- If you own a business, offer an internship or summer job opportunity for a local student. Emphasize the importance of staying in school to prepare for success in college, work and life.
- Advocate for local, state and federal policies that support students' staying in school to prepare for success in college, work and life.
- Offer a work-study program through your own business or current employer.
- Stay connected to your own child's academic career. Encourage a love of learning but demand accountability and set high standards.
- If you are a high school dropout, speak out to other at-risk students about the difficulties you face and your regrets about your decision to drop out
- If you have dropped out, seek to re-enroll in a high school equivalency or GED program.
Additional Resources
