Reviewing the Research on Three Dropout Prevention Methods

Reducing school dropout rates in the United States is an ongoing challenge. The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) has reviewed the research on three interventions designed to keep at-risk youth in school: Check & Connect, Reconnecting Youth, and credit recovery programs.

Check & Connect aims to help students stay in school by continually monitoring school performance and providing individualized attention through mentoring, case management, and other supports. In 2006, the WWC published a systematic review of all the studies that examined the impact of Check & Connect on dropout prevention. The WWC has updated this report to include more recent publications and found that Check & Connect has positive effects on staying in school, potentially positive effects on progressing in school, and no discernible effects on completing school for high school students with learning, behavioral, or emotional disabilities. Read the updated report.

Reconnecting Youth is an elective, credit-bearing course for students at risk of dropping out of school due to frequent absenteeism, low grades, or a history of dropping out. The WWC reviewed all of the existing research on the program and its impacts on middle school, junior high school, or high school students who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out. The review finds that none of the existing research meets WWC design standards. Therefore, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of Reconnecting Youth. See the full report.

Credit recovery programs allow high school students to recover course credit for classes they previously failed. The WWC reviewed all of the existing research on these programs and their impacts on students who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out. The review finds that none of the existing research meets WWC design standards. Therefore, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of credit recovery programs. Read the full report.