Getting Smart Podcast | Dropout Prevention: Community, Support and Guidance

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 employment projections, students who graduate from high school are more likely to secure employment and earn more than those who do not. Graduates are more likely to be unemployed and will earn less than those who graduate from high school. Thankfully effective strategies for students, families and educators along with community support can help create meaningful high school experiences for every student and help to prevent dropouts.

October is dedicated to National Dropout Prevention to help draw attention to the ongoing need for research and programs aimed at getting the dropout rate in America to zero. The Dropout Prevention Network, a group of educators and specialists from around the country, convene annually and work to create resources and identify supports that can help meet this goal
This month we talked with Laurel Barrette, director of dropout prevention and high school initiatives at K12 Inc. to hear how K12 is supporting these efforts. In the podcast, you will her Laurel’s dropout story and her call to us all to not judge or label students going through this time. She also shares ideas and strategies for how the community can get involved to support students.  

Along with dropout prevention, October is also dedicated to National Bullying Prevention Month, an issue that can be closely connected to dropouts and the need for community involvement across all areas of school.
For more see:

• Hacking High School “Dropout” Challenge with Choice & Voice for New Pathways
• Let’s Make Nice Go Viral: Preventing & Coping with Cyberbullying
• Combat Cyberbullying in Schools, One Compliment at a Time

Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update. This post includes mentions of a Getting Smart partner. For a full list of partners, affiliate organizations and all other disclosures please see our Partner page.