Dropout Prevention This Practice Guide was developed by an expert panel convened by the Institute of Education Sciences. It is designed to help educators, administrators, and policymakers identify effective practices designed to reduce dropout rates. It offers a set of six research-based recommendations that together constitute a coherent approach to a challenging problem. A summary of the research evidence and a level of evidence rating are provided for each recommendation. This Practice Guide is the foundation for all the Doing What Works content on Dropout Prevention.
Multimedia Overview Dropout Prevention: Keeping Students in School
Use this multimedia overview to learn about practices for dropout prevention. Through diagnosis of the problem, providing targeted interventions, and establishing schoolwide programs, schools can create research-based and practical solutions to keep students in school, reduce dropout rates, and recover students who left school. (7:15 min)Explore these recommended practices:
- <<Data Systems
Use data systems to identify individual students at high risk of dropping out. - <<Adult Advocates
Assign adult advocates to students at risk of dropping out. - <<Academic Supports
Provide academic support and enrichment to improve academic performance. - <<Social/Behavior Programs
Implement programs to improve students' classroom behavior and social skills. - <<Learning Environment
Personalize the learning environment and instructional process. - <<Rigorous/Relevant Instruction
Provide rigorous and relevant instruction to engage students and build skills.
Visual Diagram Dropout Prevention
This diagram represents the strategies for districts and schools to understand the scope of the dropout problem and design a coordinated and coherent approach targeted to the needs of the students. The six recommended practices operate best as part of a systemic strategy to address dropout prevention and recovery.Expert Interview
Understanding Dropout Prevention Practices
Mark Dynarski, Ph.D.Mathematica Policy Research
This interview features Dr. Mark Dynarski, the chair of the expert panel that produced the Practice Guide. Dr. Dynarski provides an overview of the Dropout Prevention topic and discusses the six recommendations that are described in the Practice Guide. (6:12 min)