State Perspective - Finding and Solutions

Information taken from the Longitudinal Study by Colorado State University and Albuquerque Public schools (APS) Research Collaborative.  The research project involves two phases: an initial survey at a time of dropping out and a follow-up survey approximately three years after the initial survey.

  • The study reflects other studies:  dropouts have very low GPAs, are less likely to be involved in extracurricular activities, have more disciplinary problems at school, and are more likely to be retained.
  • Third grade achievement test scores indicate that dropouts were already substantially behind in language skills. Increasing emphasis on language development in the early grades is an absolute necessity.
  • Three variables predict whether a dropout will successfully return to school:
    1. Peer relations:  if a dropout associates with individuals who completed high school, then the dropout was more likely to obtain a GED. Likewise, if a dropout has friends who are attending college then he/she was more likely to obtain a high school diploma. Other studies have found that peer relationships are very predictive of school achievement.
    2. Third grade achivement test scores:  those dropouts with higher reading scores were more likely to obtain a GED or high school diploma, and those dropouts with higher math scores were more likely to obtain a diploma.
    3. The dropout's expectations after he/she dropped out of school: those individuals who indicated they were going to get a GED or diploma were more likely to attain this goal than those dropouts who did not indicate an intention to earn a GED or diploma. However, a large number of dropouts who expected to get their GEDs or diplomas failed to do so.

    Source:  State Department of Education resposne to House Memorial 73 (November 17, 1997)

     

    Solutions

    Inclusion of at-risk factors in the funding formula

    Alternative schools, programs and settings.  Examples include:

  • San Andres High School in Las Cruces
  • Career Enrichment Center in Albuquerque Public Schools
  • Family Partnership in West Las Vegas
  • Advanced Placement throughout the state
  • Carnegie Middle School Initiatives

    • Graudation Reality and Dual-Role Skills (GRADS) has been very successful;

    Schools Within Schools with a particular emphasis on 9th grade students;

    Career Academies;

    Systematic Improvement in language development and early intervition to target literacy skills.

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