High School Dropout – As Easy as A B C

    Educators and parents need to understand that there are three huge predictors of why kids drop out of school.

• Absenteeism
• Behavior Problems
• Course Failure

     In each case, the intervention(s) are manageable and easy to prevent.  It is notable that if one of the three occurs, the other two generally follow.  When one of these indicators occurs repeatedly, the student gradually becomes increasingly disengaged in their course of study.  Let’s look at an actual example.
     I am a teacher of 9th grade students in a “regular” learning level or average level of study.  In this case it is in Algebra, which as we know is a sequential learning subject; meaning one lesson builds upon the next lesson – literally.  Math is also a core academic course required for graduation.
     The parents come from Columbia and want their child, Matthew, to visit their hometown and does so each holiday break.  Instead of taking two weeks, the family stays three weeks missing the first week of the new semester.  Math is a weak subject for their child and now with Algebra, Matthew cannot keep up with his new equations upon returning.  The “homework” was provided by the teacher for the holidays however, his family really does not know how to do this “new” Math.  Along comes the first big Math test of the semester and Matthew fails.  Then the State Assessment Tests role around, and his lack of Math skills lower his overall grade.  It did not help that Matthew also had a record of misbehavior.  His frustration turned to anger and he would now talk back to teachers and come in “tardy” for his Math class and other classes. 
    Mid-way through 9th grade, Matthew is fully frustrated and has learned to dislike school.  He frequently tells his parents he does not feel good and needs to stay home.  Plus Matthew now begins hanging around friends who also have learning challenges and many have openly stated they wanted to quit school.  Matthew’s continual misbehavior eventually led to suspension.
     There is the cycle:  absenteeism leads to course failure, which gradually leads to behavior problems.  Matthew will probably drop out of school is this cycle continues.  Now let’s bring in interventions to turn this around.

• Absenteeism or missing more than 2 days per month is an early warning indicator -- The parent and guidance counselor must work together in finding way(s) to keep attendance steady and match the student with a student mentor, encourage trying out one of the following: team sports, a vocational course, ROTC, or an area where success and support are had daily.
• Behavior Problems or showing lack of respect for rules and personnel in charge -- The parent and guidance counselor intervene to find out why.  Check up on behavior progress weekly. Accept the fact that behavior modification is a 3-4 person intervention team: parents, student, school counselor, and sometimes school psychologist or resource officer.

• Course failure, applies to most kids who did not practice long periods of study and amplified if below grade reading level.  Provide academic interventions in middle school so students realize how to manage their time and become prepared for longer periods of coursework both in and outside of class.  Provide opportunities for sustained reading each day. Provide tutoring opportunities before and/or after school.

 
Taken in part from:  Child Trends DATABANK – High School Dropout Rates, November 2015
9th grade example provided by Lynn Gray – B.A., M.S.

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