Parent Participation in Preventing Early Dropout
Leuchovius, Deborah, “The Role of Parents in Dropout Prevention: Strategies that Promote Graduation and School Achievement,” National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (2006)
In this brief, the author offers statistical information on who is likely to drop out and what causes early drop out, and lists various methods to avoid this phenomena. Namely, parental involvement and interest in the child’s learning stands as one of the more effective deterrents to dropping out. Studies show that family involvement is one of the most important contributors to school completion and Leuchovius includes research supporting this assertion. She states, “[w]hen families are involved, students are more likely to earn higher grade point averages; enroll in challenging academic programs; pass more classes; attend school regularly; graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary programs, and refrain from destructive activities.” Most notably, Leuchovius offers tips on how to spot risk behavior (personality clashes, dropped attendance, lowered school performance) and how to help the student succeed in both middle school and high school. Leuchovius suggests steps to increase parent–child involvement and describes alternative educational resources available for students where mainstream education imminently leads to dropping out.
Relevant Link: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=3135