How to Decrease the Number of Dropouts in Schools

John R. Hrevnack

Every year more than 1 million high school students drop out of school, with devastating effects on the economy and communities across the country. Educator John R. Hrevnack looks at how various support programs have helped students stay on track, preparing young people to contribute to society and be able to provide for themselves. These support programs, coupled with small changes in the way educators run their classrooms, can make a world of a difference to students.

There are several support programs for students that help them stay in school, identifying what problems they may have and working to resolve with them. These programs have proven successful in helping kids get back on track and keeping them in school. Issues these programs say are roadblocks in a student's education include low self-esteem, lack of family support, and disruptive behavior. 

Hrevnack argues that educators must also change their methods by discontinuing policies such as giving students zeros and not accepting late work. These practices have no positive reinforcement for students and do nothing to encourage them to stay in school. The same goes for suspensions because keeping kids out of school has been proven to hurt their academic chances. Instead, educators should require students to serve out their suspensions in school where they can continue to work and not be out on the streets.

These are small steps that can have great effects if educators amend their practices. In the end, the goal is for the child to succeed, and giving them every opportunity to learn and be in the classroom will help steer them toward that goal.

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