1	Dropout Prevention: What you can do to help your child to success Presentation by: Amanda Meskunas, School Guidance Intern at North Schuylkill Jr. Sr. High School
2	Dropout Prevention This is an online presentation that will give information on various topics relating to students that are at risk for dropping out
3	Why do we need a Dropout Prevention Program? The number of high school dropouts continues to grow each year Students and Parents need to know how to determine the risk factors before it is too late The school/family needs to understand the reasons why students drop out and what they can do to prevent this from happening
4	Dropout Statistics As of October 2006, 3.8 million students were not enrolled in school; nor had they completed a high school program. This is approximately 10.9% of all students ages 16-24.
5	So Why are Students Dropping Out? Academic Difficulties Drug or Alcohol Abuse Behavior Difficulties Teen Pregnancy Boredom Poor Attendance Gang Involvement Teacher Conflict
6	What to look for The following slide is what you can pay attention to in order to be tuned in to what your child is doing in and out of school
7	Current Research- Risk Factors Truancy / poor attendance Low or failing grades Low standardized test scores Number of grade retentions Number of discipline referrals
8	Where to get this information? All information on your child’s grades can be found on North Schuylkill’s website
9	Web Address www.northschuylkill.net We encourage that you get involved in your child’s academics and this is the fastest and easiest way to get involved!!!
10	Risk Factors The following provides you with information regarding risk factors of those students who are more likely to dropout before finishing school
11	Risk Factors - Continued Numerous school transfers Drug or alcohol abuse Lack of interest in school Does not participate in after-school activities Family status (family size, motivation, parents’ past school history) Low self-esteem
12	Computers/Games It is crucial to your child’s education, well-being, and development to limit their use of the internet and video games This is a recent epidemic that is effecting our students regularly-socially and academically Know what your child is doing on the internet and monitor their usage
13	What if your child exhibits some of these risk factors? Your school has plenty of resources available to you Contact and collaborate often with your child’s guidance counselor
14	Linda Mohap – Head of the Guidance Department Phone- 570-874-0495 Email- www.lmohap@northschuylkill.net
15	Claudia Chesney- Guidance Counselor Phone- 570-874-0495 Email- cchesney@northschuylkill.net
16	~How dropping out will effect your child’s future~ Please view the economic hardships that are likely of a student that drops out of school before graduation
17	Economic Risk Factors Dropouts are four times more likely to be unemployed. Earning potential is cut in half. 82% of U.S. prisoners are high school dropouts. Graduates earn $143.00 more per week than a dropout. (Approx. $7400 more each year.) More likely to need public assistance to survive.
18	Join in the fight to keep your child in school Stay tuned to find out how to make sure you can get involved to get your child to graduation
19	Common Prevention Strategies Participate in parent education and support groups. Be informed about available programs and student’s progress on a regular basis. Parents can assist with homework and other learning activities.
20	Prevention-continued Create a partnership among school, home and the community Communicate with your child regularly Know who your child’s friends are Do not be afraid to say “NO” and set boundaries
21	Parenting is not easy! We give you major credit~! It is important as a parent to make sure you are supportive of your child It is also important to make sure that you are supporting them down a positive and healthy road
22	Family Involvement Increases the chance a student will achieve success; regardless of income level, cultural background or parents’ education level. Students show increased attendance. Students show regular homework completion. Students show more positive attitude and display better behavior.
23	Family Involvement -continued Students have a higher graduation rate. Increased enrollment in post-secondary education. Family involvement has a direct, positive effect on a child’s achievement and is the most accurate predictor of school success.
24	Suggestions For Parents Keep track of what your child does after school. Encourage extra-curricular activities. Follow a routine: homework time, dinner time. Routines promote stability. Praise accomplishments and offer encouragement. Encourage reading. Speak frankly about the long term effects of dropping out.
25	How to Love a Teen when Times Get Rough Give them unconditional acceptance Talk to them and make sure you listen to exactly what they are trying to say Do things with them that they enjoy-sports, concerts, etc. Be honest with your child even if the truth may hurt Help them through personal emotional struggles Always be consistent!!!!
26	Keeping them in school Focus on the student’s goals-not the goals you have already set for them Encourage extracurricular activities Consider alternate school settings Consider realistic post-secondary goals Identify any special learning needs Consider the GED Keep in touch with the counselors if you have any questions
27	We would like to thank you for taking the time to read about dropout prevention Help us do what is best for your child.
28	Click this link to return to the North Schuylkill Webpage http://www.northschuylkill.net