Dropout Prevention – Strategies for Parents of High School Students

One of the most key contributing factors to a child staying in school is family involvement.  According to various researchers, the most precise predictor of a child’s academic achievement is based upon how involved his/her family in encouraging learning.  Parents need to dedicate time, each day, by talking with their children about their child’s daily performance at school and how to further encourage their success.  The benefits of family involvement with their child’s education can lead to the following:

• higher grade-point averages (GPA);
• better test scores;
• great success in challenging and honors-level courses;
• ability to successfully earn more credits;
• better school attendance;
• more positive attitude about school;
• stronger liklihood that he/she will graduate with a high school diploma;
• attend college; and
• avoid alcohol and drug use.

According to various research dedicated to preventing dropout, the following tips are geared for parents hoping to keep their child(ren) enrolled in school:

• Keep in contact with all of your child’s teachers, regularly.
• Closely track of your child’s attendance.  If you begin to notice a trend of avoiding school, talk with him/her to find out what may be the real cause of absences.
• Motivate your child to join afterschool activities or work a part-time job.  Extracurricular activities and employment opportunities give students a great chance to work with others, socialize, and develop skills they may not have even known they ever had.
• Research career paths with your child.  Even though your son/daughter may change their career interest (which of hasn’t, right?!!?), at least you are helping guide and support them through the process.
• Remind your child that a high school graduate is most likely going to earn double the salary of those that had dropped-out of school.
• Build a family culture that promotes and accepts education and learning all the time.

The family role is so important to high school students.  Even though the “typical” high school student may not want to admit parents know best, and may completely try to avoid parental advice, remain firm in your committment to his/her education.

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Category: Dropping out of School