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| No Excuses: Programs Provide Drop-Out Alternatives |
| posted by: Ruthie | June 17, 2013, 06:27 PM |
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Based on data collected by the National Center for Education, 78% of the nation's students earned a diploma in four years of high school. This average is the highest four-year graduation rate since 1974, and is considered by recent reports to be due to the plethora of programs nationwide serving to pinpoint and remedy some of the major factors behind student drop-outs. According to the data, 37% of students drop out because they think a GED is just as beneficial as a high school diploma. Back on Track, a program developed by a Boston-based non-profit seeks to curb this assumption by providing a three phase model for helping students graduate and attend post-secondary school. The model includes focusing on learning over testing, helping students engage in dual college-high school credits, and providing post-secondary school support. Another 20 – 32% of students drop out because they feel like they don't belong in school and cannot keep up. Advance Path Academy is changing the pace and atmosphere of school by cutting school time into four hour shifts, and dividing students into small groups and arranging classes into office-like spaces. Nearly 35% of students drop out so they can work and earn money. Youth Build USA trains former dropouts in construction and other career skills, as they build affordable housing and take on other community projects. Each year students participate in projects such as renovating local eye sores, helping low-income communities, or rebuilding after natural disasters. Further, 44% of students drop out because of chronic absenteeism. While many programs address students' needs by blended learning, or online school, the Drop-Out Prevention Initiative takes a simple approach, using recovery specialist to find students who have dropped out and go door to door attempting to get them back in school. Going door to door can work in unexpected ways, says Angela Ransom Jones, the psychologist in charge of the recovery program. Even if the student isn't at home, "when you engage in the right conversation, suddenly you'll find a parent who says, 'I'd like to get back enrolled, too.' " Whether they facilitate the desire to continue education, allow school to be cost effective, or tailor programs to individual students' needs, a wide variety of programs give choices to students regarding their education. As these various choices evolve, every student will have the chance to graduate, regardless of obstacles. How can you help students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out? Comment below.
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