Dropouts Give Reasons

Posted in

I just read an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press about a poll that was recently given to 500 young adults and conducted by the Michigan Education Association. The poll looked at the causes of high school dropout rates.

The poll found that lack of career education, little connection between classroom study and real life and few role models were big reasons behind why students end up dropping out of high school. I must say -- I'm not surprised. Grounding education in the real world makes it relevant and motivating. Point in case: The number of times your kids (or you yourself) have said, "Why do I have to learn algebra? I'm never going to actually USE it..."

The career education bit also doesn't shock me, either. In the "privileged" schools I've been in, "career education" essentially meant "preparing for college" -- there was an expectation in these high schools that all students would go on to college. In the schools where the percentage of students going on to college was low, there wasn't much emphasis on college prep...or career prep, for that matter.

Given these findings, I'm curious what other high schools are doing by way of career education, role models and real-world applications to keep their students from dropping out. What's the story at your child's school?

You must be a member of this group to post a reply.

Parent Replies to "Dropouts Give Reasons"

View 27 replies: Newest-Oldest, Oldest-Newest
Display all replies

Kenny,
Thank you and altho I wasn't looking for agreement or anything else - pretty much just stating my opinion.
But like we both said - if things don't work as hoped - at least I can take comfort in knowing there was just about nothing I didn't do.
Only time will tell
Kathy

pistons58, I think you bring up a great point about self-esteem. Students who don't get a healthy dose of encouragement or can't see the light at the end of the tunnel while they struggle can often write themselves out of pictures of academic success. From my point of view, encouragement can't always come from home -- a student has got to feel like they're moving at the same pace and in the same direction as others in their school and classroom in order to affirm to themselves that school is where they belong.

odachimaster, I love your point about how messages can have different impacts depending on who's talking. Parents and (unfortunately) teachers are often shrugged off by teens. (When I was teaching, this was one of the things that just shattered my heart.) kenny1924, it's so great to hear that you're going to volunteer your time to show students what a successful professional looks like and what it takes to get there. You may be the "different source" odachimastaer talks about that can really drive home the importance of education and self-motivation for struggling students who aren't interested in listening to their parents or teachers anymore. Let us know how it goes!!

A friend I do business with my son and I had to go to his place of business and he is about 8 years older then him. Come to find out he went to the college as my son is (in which he is not doing to well) and had some of the same teachers.My friend said something to my son that really stuck with him "You make out of it what you want to" now I have said that before but it did not mean crappola but coming from him it made the difference. He is now doing good still having fun like he should but taking care of business.
"Life is difficult and once you learn that you will make it" by LW

I love your comit odachimaster,seem like you have no blame game.you put the faults on everybody and that's a good thing.in this life it is sometimes the teacher's,the students,the parents is the reason why a child dropout of school. and I don't consider your statement harsh it is the truth.

Rotten Parents the need to get away from them so they enter the work force. Bored with school other then hanging with friends. One of my sons best friend didn't' even go to his own graduation and the only reason he stayed in was to hang out. Young Adults (some) think life is like a movie and they do nothing they are flunking out of classes so they just give up and go to work. I have talk some into getting their GED and going to C.College. I know this is a harsh statement even in the most loving families your own child does not really care to hear what you have to say. They smile and ask if I can have a couple bucks.
It tends to be better that they hear it from a different source; it use to be teachers inspiring but kids think their smarter and to a certain degree I agree with that and some teachers just do not give a rats a_ _

Return to group discussion board >

1 2 3 4 5 6 Next >

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.