Learn – Serve – Achieve Service-Learning As a Tool for Dropout Prevention in California Schools Los Angeles County Office of Education California Department of Education CalServe Initiative

The Cost of our Dropout Epidemic in America Nearly one third of students fail to graduate with their class, nearly half of minorities Dropouts: earn about $1 million less over their lifetimes are twice more likely to slip into poverty are 8 times more likely to be in jail are half as likely to vote and a fourth as likely to volunteer as college grads create enormous economic costs to society 2

The Dropout Epidemic in California Approximately 1/3 of California high school students do not graduate. Dropouts will spend more time unemployed, on government assistance, or cycling in and out of prison. Dropouts will contribute about $60,000 less in taxes over a lifetime. California loses about $46 billion a year (jail, government assistance, increase in crime).

Why Students Drop Out – Multiple Reasons The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts There is no single reason why students drop out of high school. Respondents report different reasons: A lack of connection to the school environment A perception that school is boring and disconnected from real life Feeling unmotivated Academic challenges The weight of real world events A report by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, March 2006

Why Students Drop Out – Lack of Student Engagement The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts 47% said a major reason for dropping out was that classes were not interesting Bored and disengaged from high school Spent time with people not interested in school Evident among students who are motivated to work hard and have high GPAs. A report by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, March 2006

Why Students Drop Out – Low Expectations The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts 69% not motivated or inspired to work hard 80% did one hour or less of homework each day 2/3 would work harder if expectations were higher 70% believe they could graduate if they tried harder A report by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, March 2006

Why Students Drop Out – Academic and Personal Considerations The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts Academic Challenges: 35% said failing in school was a major factor 3 out of 10 could not keep up with schoolwork 43% missed too many days and could not catch up Personal Reasons Cited: 32% needed to get a job to earn money 26% became a parent 22% had to care for a family member A report by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, March 2006

15 Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention School and Community Perspective 1.Systemic Renewal 2.School-Community Collaboration 3.Safe Learning Environments 4.Student Engagement in School Curricula Early Interventions 4.Family Engagement 5.Early Childhood Education 6.Early Literacy Development College of Health, Education and Human Development at Clemson University

15 Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention Basic Core Strategies 7.Mentoring/Tutoring 8.Service-Learning* 9.Alternative Schooling 10.After-School Opportunities Making the Most of Instruction 11.Professional Development 12.Active Learning 13.Educational Technology 14.Individualized Instruction 15.Career and Technical Education College of Health, Education and Human Development at Clemson University

Service Learning – An Effective Strategy for Dropout Prevention National Dropout Prevention Center/Network *Service-Learning Service-learning connects meaningful community service experiences with academic learning. This teaching/learning method promotes personal and social growth, career development and civic responsibility and can be a powerful vehicle for effective school reform at all grade levels. College of Health, Education and Human Development at Clemson University

81% - Opportunities for real-world learning (service- learning, internships) to make classroom more relevant 81% - Better teachers who keep classes interesting 75% - Smaller classes with more individual instruction 71% - Better communication between parents & school, get parents more involved 71% - Parents make sure their kids go to school every day 70% - Increase supervision at school: ensure students attend classes Service-Learning Tops the List of Ways Schools Can Improve (from student surveys)

Recommended Policies to Address Dropout Improve teaching and curricula to make school more relevant and engaging and enhance the connections between school and work and community Improve instruction and access to supports for struggling students Build a school climate that fosters academics, applied knowledge, student engagement, and civic education Ensure strong adult-student relationships within the school and community SERVICE-LEARNING CAN ADDRESS EACH OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS