Further Inquiry

The process of delving into the dropout crisis has forced me to really dig for data. The fact that numerical data tends to be scewed and obscured also corresponds to a general lack of willingness for institutions to draw attention to their own problems. With federal standards and punitive measures, schools seem to be pressed to find ways to work the system rather than with the system. Hopefully this changes

There is wide recognition of the fact that community involvement is required to address this issue. Students can only be engaged by schools that meet them where they are and of which they feel a part.
I have noted a strong correlation between socioeconomic status (ok, I haven’t personally noted it, but I’ve absorbed it via numerous reports) and tendency to dropout of high school. This poverty and lack of resources is a fact of life in Newark, as noted by the reports that we’ve read on the Newark demographic studies.

Several schools in Newark have been described as “dropout factories”. I found it difficult to locate much more detail on that, which may mean I need to dig deeper, or it may not be there to be found. Again, this issue is not one that schools like to broadcast. It is not good for the school or, unfortunately, the students.

On Friday I dropped by the New Jersey Graduation Campaign forum to see if I could accumulate any information. I ended up with a wealth of internet sites, and have begun extending my research on the “Silent Epidemic.” Also helpful are the types of information that is considered relevant to learning about communities.

Schools are not designed to meet the varying needs of students in urban areas, especially those who desperately need help. So far, nebulous ideas of more community involvement have formed in my mind. In order to teach a community, it seems more and more critical to really know the students and be familiar with their lives. Their environment is part of that.

Student quotes and stories of dropouts reiterate common themes. Family problems, lack of engagement, and falling behind were frequent causes cited. With outside quality of life issues in need of immediate attention, long term projects like diplomas fall to the wayside. Schools may need to take more of a social work role in such areas, and guidance and counseling may need to be more prevalent.

I feel like I’ve got a lot of information, and am somewhat struck with impotence. What is needed is more resources, and time. Unfortunately, this is not a luxury that students in need of education or their districts can currently afford.