dropout prevention

Across the nation, dropout intervention efforts are focused on helping academically struggling students get the help they need to get to graduation day.

And now, increasingly, programs aimed at preventing dropouts (and recovering those who have already left school) are focusing on giving students the support and flexibility they need to overcome the non-academic obstacles that often stand in the way of a diploma.

But one area that is often neglected is the spiritual and psychological wellness of a student.

In this week’s edition of Research Wednesday, we look at a 2011 study published in the Journal of At-Risk Issues that found that psychological and spiritual components factor into whether a student stays in school.

President Barack Obama has sent a love letter to education — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The president presented his recommended budget to Congress this week, and he is asking for a historic increase in K-12 education.

The Department of Education highlighted his budget request as it impacts schools.

Obama’s budget would provide a $3 billion increase in K-12 education programs, plus up to an additional $1 billion funding if Congress approves his proposed overhaul of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

As advocates for an all-hands-on-deck approach to fighting the dropout epidemic, we applaud anyone who wants to do something to keep students in school.

But a proposed bill in Wyoming, where legislators are proposing a "big stick" approach to dropout prevention, does nothing to address the root causes of Wyoming’s dropout epidemic.

USC has been tackling a huge problem.

And no, we're not talking about University of Oregon running back LaMichael James (who managed just 78 yards against the Trojans during USC's 38-35 upset over the Ducks last month.)   

This problem's even bigger. Even stronger. And if you don't get ahold of it right away, it will slip away faster than James ever could.

  Nine in 10 students who drop out of high school couldn’t read in the third grade.

  Does the solution to America’s dropout epidemic seem obvious all of the sudden?

Members of Congress have always been good at stretching out clever acronyms for effect. Thus was born the "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act" (USA PATRIOT) the "Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act" (CAN-SPAM) and the "Community Oriented Policing Services and Key Investments in Developmental Services Act" (COPS and KIDS.)

Jay Smink, who has served for more than 23 years as executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is leaving his post. 

Smink announced his decision in a letter that accompanied the latest edition of the network's newsletter. 

"I feel privileged to have played a part in guiding the Center's vision and its implementation of successful dropout prevention programs across this county," Smink wrote.

If you're in a run-for-the-border mood anyway, might we suggest that you slap a few extra dollars on the Taco Bell counter to help support organizations working to inspire teens to graduate high school? 

From April 7 to 21 at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide, customers can donate to the "Graduate To Go" campaign, in which one of the nation's largest fast food chains has committed to match customer contributions up to $1 million, nationwide.