HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS

Intervention Plan for High School Dropouts in New York City



Intervention Plan for High School Dropouts in New York City

Introduction

The effect of students dropping out of school impacts the society as a whole. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by the year 2020, the workforce will be negatively affected by youth dropping out of school, suggesting that the qualified worker shortage will exceed 20 million in our country and every available worker will be needed to meet the demands of our technology-driven economy.

According to statistics, 1 out of 5 students drop out of high school, however, statistics also show the dropout rate declined from 14% in 1980 to 8% in 2008, revealing that the dropout prevalence reduces, as school officials and communities work to implement prevention programs and strategies. Individuals between the ages 16-21, who have dropped out of school, are often roaming the streets looking for ways to occupy their time. A dropout with no high school diploma has a more difficult experience of gaining employment, often facing many challenges that inhibit their ability to be successful in life.

Discussion

High School Dropouts

National Statistics

According to Bridgeland, Dijulio and Morison (2006) the nation's dropout problem has made headlines in the media. The high school dropout rate is an old problem. The high school dropout rate is receiving public attention because the major factors contributing in the students failure to earn a high school diploma has significantly changed the past 10 years. Bridgeland, Dijulio and Morison (2006) further explain that “no longer is a dropout a young person who failed to pass with satisfactory grades, but is the person who left school due to a pregnancy, or who quit school because of a drug addiction” (p. 3). They add that “most dropouts believe if they had had the right supports in place they could have succeeded in school”.

New York City statistics

In the state of New York City, there are significant graduation gaps among student subgroups. To help close these achievement gaps and raise graduation rates for all students, graduation rates must be disaggregated for both reporting and accountability purposes (Alliance for Education Excellence [AEE], 2009, Graduation Gaps and Inequity, para. 4). The educational achievement gap between students of color and Whites, urban and suburban students as well as between low- and high-socioeconomic students remains a concern nationwide.

Another factor contributing to the high school dropout rate was with the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The law's major education initiative during the Bush Administration was intended to raise academic achievement and to close the racial and ethnic achievement gap. Unfortunately, the complex requirements of the law have failed to achieve these goals and thus provoke unintended negative results, which often harm the students the law is most intended to help. This has been evident in New York City.

Intervention Plan for New York City Dropouts

Early Intervention

Many risk factors are present at an early age, suggesting that early intervention is a key to high school ...