Avoid the Detour: Keep Students Engaged in SchoolBy Patrick Carlin, Andrew Meister, and Dan Scannell

the cost of dropping out statistics

strategies for dropout prevention

relationship based strategies for creating a positive classroom climate

In this session we will share…

Getting Over the Wall

Overcoming Barriers

Not So Fun Facts…

1.3 million students dropped out last year

7,150 students every day

1 student every 25 seconds

U.S. Statistics

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Of the 100 Students Who Enter Highschool

Of the 100 Students Who Enter Highschool

The Costs of Dropping Out

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10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

Median Income

Median Income

Dropouts earn 33 cents for every dollar a college graduate earns.

Dropouts earn 66 cents for every dollar a high school graduate earns

Our 30% first-year dropout rate cost taxpayers $9.1 billion between 2003-2007

Cost of Dropping Out

What are the two biggest indicators for predicting whether a student will graduate?

Graduation Predictors

School and Community Perspective◦ Systemic Renewal, School-community

collaboration, safe learning environment Early Interventions

◦ Family Engagement, EC education, literacy programs

Basic Core Strategies◦ Mentoring/Tutoring, service learning, alternative

learning, after-school opportunities Making the Most of Instruction

◦ PD, active learning, technology, ind. Instruction, CTE

Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention

Student Video

Waterloo Students Say….

7 Relationship-Based Strategies That Can Create A Positive Learning Environment

Send the message that you are in control

◦ This message should not convey an overbearing, authoritarian, inflexible approach.

Communicate to the students your absolutes

Review and practice expectations

Don’t assume students know what you want from them

Be The CEO/LEADER

Student profile forms

◦ Ask about hobbies, family, goals, dreams, talents, interests, likes and dislikes, etc.

Embrace Their Individuality

Pair up students and give them three minutes to find as many similarities between themselves as possible.

◦ such as love baseball, play the guitar, been to Canada, have two brothers.

Then combine pairs so four people are trying to find similarities in three minutes. Pair up

What have you done in your classrooms?

Create a Community Within the Classroom

Allow questions

Share hobbies, favorite sports teams, pets, talents, books, movies, and music

Don’t be afraid to have FUN with your students

Let Them Get to Know a Part of You

Learn All Students’ Names Within 48 Hours

How are you presenting yourself?

Do you smile at your students?

Examine and Improve Nonverbal Communication

Treat All Student With Dignity and Respect at All Times

Positive relationships truly have the ability and the power to unleash untapped potential in our students. While many teachers may not think they have the time to spend building relationships, I suggest that we don't have the time not to. Relationships and instruction are not an either–or proposition, but are rather an incredible combination. Research tells us this combination will increase engagement, motivation, test scores, and grade point averages while decreasing absenteeism, dropout rates, and discipline issues.

Begin to unleash the power of positive relationships in your classroom.

The Importance of Relationship Building According to Tara Brown

RESOURCES

QUESTIONS

Patrick Carlin◦ carlinp@waterlooschools.org◦ 319-404-6152

Andrew Meister◦ meistera@waterlooschools.org◦ 319-404-6153

Dan Scannell◦ scannelld@waterlooschools.org◦ 319-404-6154

CONTACT INFORMATION

Every Student Needs a Champion

Closing

Be A Champion

Brown, T. “the power of positive relationships.” The Magazine of Middle Level Education, Aug. 2010, volume 14, number 1, pages 8-10

COST OF DROPPING OUT

Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention◦ www.dropoutprevention.org/effective-strategies◦ 6/1/13

Bibliography