The high school dropout problem is a crisis for the United States, in part because it impacts not only individuals and their education, but also because the economic and social costs are so dramatic. This fact sheet highlights the problem of dropout prevention facing America's high schools today. It provides information on the students most likely…

"High School Redirection" is an alternative high school program for youth considered at risk of dropping out. The program emphasizes basic skills development (with a particular focus on reading skills) and offers limited extra-curricular activities. The schools operate in economically disadvantaged areas and serve students who have…

With goals in mind of engaging children in education and preparing them to address the nation's challenges, this report suggests service-learning could be a potential way to not only stem the tide of dropouts, but create a new generation of youth who are academically prepared for success in college and who possess a strong sense of civic…

This booklet encourages potential high school dropouts to stay in school. It opens by claiming that the choice to drop out of school is the student's but lists negative potential outcomes of that choice. The next several sections discuss reasons why parents; the school; the community; businesses; federal, state, and local governments; and the…

Dropout rates had increased for 2 years at a suburban public high school with approximately 2,200 students. Recent legislation mandating increased credit requirements, more academic schedules and standards, and mandatory attendance requirements has contributed to an increase in the dropout rate. A dropout intervention program was implemented with…

A university student describes her experiences as a peer mentor in the "Keep Youth in School" program. She recounts the benefits the program provides through its tutoring, mentorship, and employment projects. Young foster children enjoy activities, friendships, and encouragement that they might not find outside of the program. (SO)

The author views the high school dropout problem in relation to the need for high school graduates with business operational and administrative backgrounds. He suggests the use of Business Operational and Administrative Training Program (BOAT) as an innovative response to the problem. (AG)

More than half of all Denver Public Schools (DPS) students who start in the ninth grade do not graduate within four years. If DPS is to significantly impact this graduation crisis, it must prioritize the implementation of systemic and research-based strategies around prevention, recuperation, and recovery of off-track students. With a 100 percent…

Since 1999, the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) has provided funding to provincial school authorities for projects designed to improve student learning and performance. Conducted in three-year cycles, this unique approach has successfully helped to initiate approximately 1,600 grassroots projects led by school districts, teachers,…

John Tyler and Magnus Lofstrom take a close look at the problems posed when students do not complete high school. The authors begin by discussing the ongoing, sometimes heated, debate over how prevalent the dropout problem is. They note that one important reason for discrepancies in reported dropout rates is whether holders of the General…

In an effort to both challenge and engage adolescent students deemed to be academically "at risk," the purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of creating a pedagogical bridge between dominant (school sanctioned) and non-dominant (non-school) forms of literacy. The study was conducted within a setting where high school students were…

Dropping out of school before high school graduation has re-emerged as a priority issue for professional and public debate and concern. Dropping out of school is viewed as a gradual process as the bond between student and school weakens, representing the final step that occurs after opportunities for intervention at earlier stages have been…

A high school sophomore describes her experiences in a Washington, DC,work-study program sponsored by Marriott Corporation. She recounts how her peer mentor helped her through the program. (SO)

Expanded learning opportunities (ELOs), which include afterschool, summer learning, and extended day and extended year programs, can help states reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates. Effective elementary, middle, and high school ELOs support academic rigor, boost student engagement, and provide students with supportive relationships.…

What are states doing to improve graduation rates? A requester asked a state scan matrix of Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states or other states with similar student demographics, and other states with exemplary programs with great successes. This paper responds to this request.