Dropout Prevention
Explore resources designed to support educators in helping students stay on the path to graduation. 
- View a visual diagram of all six practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
- Data Systems
- Adult Advocates
- Academic Supports
- Social/Behavior Programs
- Learning Environment
- Rigorous/Relevant Instruction
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Dropout Prevention.
Providing Support for Students Most at Risk
Dropout Prevention > Academic Supports > See How It Works
Listen to two dropout prevention program leaders describe the academic and social supports offered and who participates. Program staff use documents such as Project GRAD Weekly Parent Communication...
Resource Type
School Example
Recovering Credits Through Project-Based Learning
Dropout Prevention > Academic Supports > See How It Works
Foxfire Center for Student Success has developed a project-based learning system which allows students to earn credits towards graduation through high-interest projects. The project-based education...
Resource Type
School Example
Treat Us as Your Own
Dropout Prevention > Adult Advocates > See How It Works
Watch an interview with four high school freshmen who describe the Ninth Grade Mentoring Program, how it has helped them, and their advice for mentors. Teachers or program leaders can use materials...
Resource Type
School Example
Forming Relationships With Parents and Families
Dropout Prevention > Adult Advocates > See How It Works
The project manager of a dropout prevention organization explains how the school maintains strong relationships with students' families. The dropout prevention team uses documents such as the...
Resource Type
School Example
Paying Attention to Students
Dropout Prevention > Adult Advocates > See How It Works
Watch an interview with two teachers describing the mentoring program their school has created to help ninth-grade students successfully transition to high school. The sample material, Ninth Grade...
Resource Type
School Example
Providing Academic Support in Core Content Subjects
Dropout Prevention > Academic Supports > See How It Works
Academic supports provided in core content areas at Western Hills University High School help students meet the requirements of each course. Teachers provide after-school help sessions, team...
Resource Type
School Example
Using Data to Determine Appropriate Interventions
Dropout Prevention > Data Systems > See How It Works
The intervention team at Foxfire Center for Student Success uses data to determine which interventions will work best for particular students. During intervention meetings, teachers,...
Resource Type
School Example
Providing Support for Ninth-Grade Students From Day One
Dropout Prevention > Data Systems > See How It Works
Listen to a high school dean of instruction describe how the school uses data to plan for and respond to the needs of incoming freshmen. The school uses spreadsheets such as the Pathways to Success...
Resource Type
School Example
Taking Action Based on Freshman Indicators
Dropout Prevention > Data Systems > See How It Works
Listen to how the Department of Graduation Pathways supports schools in identifying students who fall off track to graduation and in planning interventions. Schools receive a Freshman Watch List to...
Resource Type
School Example
Two or More Core F’s in Grade 9, Won’t Graduate Anytime
Dropout Prevention > Data Systems > See How It Works
Nicholas Montgomery, from The Consortium on Chicago School Research, talks about freshman indicators used in Chicago Public Schools to predict graduation. Researchers coined the proverb, "Two or...
Resource Type
School Example
Tutoring Assignment Pass
Dropout Prevention > Learning Environment > See How It Works
Students at one high school use this tutoring pass to record their compliance with tutoring sessions, required whenever one of their grades falls below passing. To learn more about the academic...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Pathways to Success Organization and Content
Dropout Prevention > Learning Environment > See How It Works
This presentation describes a school's mandatory skills course for ninth graders. To learn more about the school's efforts to help students stay on track to graduate, watch the multimedia...
Resource Type
Sample Material
