Positive Results Don't Just Happen

There are many reasons why high school students dropout of school. In part, social issues, familial dysfunction, low income family situations, and the demands of the institution itself all contribute to school failure. The outcome of school failure is discussed in an article by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). It states that "failure to graduate affects not only those individuals who do not have high school diplomas but also our economy, communities, and the nation." Students who do not graduate are likely to come face to face with "reduced earnings and employment prospects, and are also significantly more likely to become single parents and have children at young ages. They are more likely to rely upon public assistance or be in prison as well", as stated in J. Greene's High School Graduation Reports.

In considering potential intervention programs, it seems to me that the educational system should adopt an effective service learning program in an effort to stem the tide of drop out rates. Both schools and students could see "improved grades, increase attendance in school, and the development of students' personal and social responsibility", as reported in "Learn and Serve America". Service learning also strengthens the connection to the community, builds leadership skills, and brings positive changes to the community, through stronger self-concept, political engagement, and increased tolerance of others. Service learning can also help students become more connected to their school. In short, service learning creates an active and authentic approach to learning.

Another intervention program is to establish an alternative night school program which offers students an educational choice in helping them meet their academic needs. For many of the at-risk students attending day school is often too difficult an option due to the social issues and stressors of attending day school. Again, in part, due to social and familial dysfunction, and the demands of the institution itself. An alternative night school program should include a traditional classroom setting, and the curriculum should also align with the day school in offering core courses such as English, Math, Science, Art and Humanities.

A program such as the one already operating at a northwest Chicago suburban high school, helps students meet their graduation requirements so they can receive the same diploma that the day school students receive. At this high school, the administration has reported that the program has been very effective in helping their most at-risk segment of the student population reach their goal to graduate; last year's graduation rate was 100%.