Dropout Prevention

Each year, more than half a million young people drop out of high school. We need to change that. Research suggests that graduation rates can be measurably improved by implementing a coordinated and coherent set of practices that directly address students' academic, behavioral, and personal needs.

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Data systems. Data on academic and behavior measures, including attendance, can serve as an early warning system to identify students at risk of dropping out. Data also can provide indicators of progress as schools implement dropout initiatives.
• Listen to Elaine Allensworth from the University of Chicago discuss data systems.
• Learn more about Chicago's freshman indicators and how they are used.


Academic and social supports. Investigate a variety of strategies to provide students with support, including targeted academic interventions and social skills programs.
• See how two schools provide trained adult advocates to provide individual support.
• Analyze the features of academic and social supports provided at three schools, including an alternative school and a comprehensive high school.
• Use planning tools to develop a comprehensive approach at your school.


Rigorous instruction in a personalized environment. See how schools create a learning environment that connects with students while also providing rigorous instruction.
• Watch interviews with Nettie Legters from Johns Hopkins and Monica Martinez from Knowledge Works.
• See examples of community involvement, career connections, small learning communities, and senior projects.