Dropout prevention programs
Program basics
- Programs can be school- or community-based and aim at increasing school engagement, school attachment, and academic performance
- Approaches often include creating smaller classes and lower teacher to student ratios
- Many strategies provide multiple support services, such as vocational training, counseling, case management, supplemental academic services, and mentoring
- Programs may focus on individual students or entire schools with low graduation rates
- Some programs include financial rewards, sanctions, or attendance monitoring to encourage engagement
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Proven (highest tier)
?
Proven (highest tier)
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by the National Institute of Justice, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Target population
High school-aged children
Program cost
Not available
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
Not available
Outcomes and impact
- Reduced dropout rates
- Increased graduation rates
- Improved school performance
- Reduced absenteeism
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Sufficient staffing and resources are necessary to create appropriate learning environments, provide counseling, and to closely monitor students.
- Successful programs often include a variety of components, including academic remediation and tutoring, career and technical education, case management, counseling, mentoring and advocacy, etc.
- Adult advocates assigned to students an improve program recruitment and retention.
