Voices for Education, a local education fund, is a coalition of parents, educators and community members working together to improve parent engagement in schools, increase funding for schools statewide and reduce class size.
This new report examines the alarming dropout situation in Arizona schools, the harm to the student, Arizona, and the economy, and outlines solution strategies for parents, schools and state policymakers.
Arizona is at a crossroads. Either the state dedicates substantial attention to addressing this mounting problem or it will face even higher dropout rates, greater costs for social services, more demand for remedial education and job training, and further reductions in state revenues.
While there are many specific reasons why youth might drop out of high school, one overarching factor has become abundantly clear: Most students drop out because they become disengaged from school. The process of disengagement may start years before the actual dropout takes place.
Research helps us to understand just how important it is to engage students — especially in the early grades — and help them stay connected to school, learning, and educational achievement. The report recommends various policies and programs that will begin to help reduce the dropout rate in Arizona. But, mostly, this report serves as a wake-up call to the people of Arizona: The state is in the middle of a crisis — and action is needed now.
Youth media professionals might consider creating youth media programs in Arizona to bring attention to the urgent drop out rates and partner with Voices for Education.
http://www.voicesforeducation.org/dropoutx.pdf
Youth media professionals might consider creating youth media programs in Arizona to bring attention to the urgent drop out rates and partner with Voices for Education.