3 Ways to Increase On Time Graduation Rates at Your High School
Did you know every year, more than 1.3 million students drop out of high school?
Not only is that statistic alarming, but it is also unnecessary.
As a high school accreditation strategist and former principal, I can tell you that many educators and parents do not know what to do nor how to do it when it comes to increasing the on time graduation rates in a school system. In order to address the issue of students dropping out, you must understand the root cause.
If I asked you why you think most students dropout of high school, what would you say? You’d probably say the reasons are because they’re bored, scared or not motivated, right?
While these reasons definitely contribute to a decrease in on time graduation rates, the core reason students drop out is because they feel that no one cares about them.
How can we decrease the high school dropout rate and increase the on time graduation rate?
The first thing we need to do as educators is to make sure the students know we care. It is important for students to have mentors and coaches just like we have, as adults. Students need a true village to help them matriculate through their 13 years of education.
They need cheerleaders-people who will believe in them and let them know they care.
They need people who can relate to them and understand different issues that they may be experiencing.
They need people who are willing to invest in them and not give up on them just because they look, think or act differently.
The next area of focus should be to meet students where they are. Many students dropout of school so that they can help their families financially-often times they are the breadwinners of the households. Students also drop out of school so they can take care of their child(ren).
It is important for school systems to implement programs that will lean toward accommodating the schedules of these students. Solutions like virtual classrooms and on site subsidized child care would go a long way to help bridge the gap in education for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Lastly, high schools should consider leveraging social media to find, connect and engage with students.
Dropping out of school doesn’t have to be permanent. In many cases, students can still return to the school system so that they can earn their diploma. Other students who have dropped out of school still have the opportunity to earn their GED.
Remember, it isn’t only about increasing the school division’s on time graduation rate, it is also about making a difference in the lives of children.
All of our students deserve a chance. Let’s show them that we care.