Every year millions of students drop out of
school with no hope of pursuing or completing a college degree. In many
cases these students are the first person in their family to consider
college. If America is going to thrive in the 21st century, we
must be willing to change our lack of investment in education. This is a national crisis that must stop. We need innovative ideas to get students who
believe in the value of education. Too
many students sit in classes where they indicate that they lack curiosity. If
you would like to be a part of the National Campaign to reduce the number of K12
student dropouts share your comments.
Also you can contribute to this effort at http://igg.me/p/318416/x/342850. Here are some ideas to reduce the dropout rate:
1. . Create a 9th grade summer institute
to help students to transition from middle school to high school.
2. Create class
rewards that are based on class attendance for the month.
3. Establish
relationships with companies whose internship opportunities will be based on
class attendance and performance
4. Identify mentors
who can work with students who are at risk of dropping out
5. Assign students
projects in based on their career interest.
6. Get local sports
teams to donate tickets for students who have a good attendance record
7. Create peer
mentors who can work with students who are transitioning from middle school to high school
8. Identify teachers
who are willing to spend additional time with students who are thinking about dropping
out
9. Provide tutoring
for students who may feel overwhelmed by certain subjects
10. Survey students
to uncover the consistent reason why students drop out and work with teachers
to address the problem.
Stopping the dropout rate will require commitment from all
aspects of the community. We need more
mentors, corporate involvement and parents who will position students to get
the help that they need. Students need
to be given the motivation to come to school because they see a job opportunity
that will result from their attendance.
The school that these students attend need to be a place that can help
students to overcome their deficits and to see the possibility of postsecondary
education. It will take greater input
from government officials who even open up their offices as resources for internships
and summer jobs. In order to change
communities the dropout problem must be eliminated as a standard choice for too
many students. If everyone is working
together we can end up with more K12 and college graduates. Dr Stephen Jones is a speaker, author and
workshop presenter at http://www.studyskills2u.com.
