This paper was prepared for the U.S. Department of Education by Jobs for the Future, a non-profit organization that seeks to accelerate the educational and economic advancement of youth and adults struggling in today’s economy. The paper argues that state education systems should pursue proactive strategies which promote and support both dropout prevention strategies and dropout recovery efforts, by strengthening the promotion power of high schools while also encouraging the development of a more diverse delivery system capable of offering programs that reach out to dropouts and engage them in studies that put them onto pathways to gain the necessary skills and credentials. The paper first describes current practices in both prevention and recovery, highlighting promising approaches in each area that can help reduce dropout rates. It concludes with several suggestions for how state policymakers can help promote a more systemic approach to the dropout crisis.
Search
Background and Context
Students are most at risk of dropping out during their first year of high school. Initiatives like ninth grade academies, smaller learning communities, advisory systems, and individual learning plans can serve to personalize a student’s transition into high school and better equip them to face the new challenges that arise during that time.
