Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention
We have identified 15 effective strategies that have the most positive impact on the dropout rate. These strategies have been implemented successfully at all education levels and environments throughout the nation. 1. Active Learning 2. After-School Opportunities 3. Alternative Schooling 4. Career and Technology Education (CTE) 5. Early Childhood Education 6. Early Literacy Development 7. Educational Technology 8. Family Engagement 9. Individualized Instruction 10. Mentoring/Tutoring 11. Professional Development 12. Safe Learning Environments 13. School-Community Collaboration 14. Service-Learning 15. Systemic Renewal
School and Community Perspective
Safe Learning Environments
A comprehensive violence prevention plan, including conflict resolution, must deal with potential violence as well as crisis management. A safe learning environment provides daily experiences, at all grade levels, that enhance positive social attitudes and effective interpersonal skills in all students.
What Is A Safe Learning Environment?
It is difficult to create a balance between a safe school and a welcoming, caring environment. It is important to create a school climate that does not tolerate bullying, intimidation, and terrorism. Students who are afraid often stay away from school. A safe learning environment is focused on academic achievement, maintaining high standards, fostering positive relationships between staff and students, and encouraging parental and community involvement.
Resolving conflict and preventing violence are important factors in creating a safe learning environment. Students respond to conflict by confronting it, usually in a violent manner, or avoiding it. Neither of these responses helps them to learn how to deal with conflict in an appropriate way.