Effects of a dropout prevention program on at risk elementary students in grades three and four.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to determine if an elementary dropout prevention program for students in Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, and Saline Counties in Illinois impacted on educational achievements of the students served. The study required two groups; a group of students referred to the program by their teachers, whose parents granted permission to be serviced, and a group of students who were referred to the same program but whose parents did not grant permission.;The general hypothesis was that there would be no significant differences in reading and mathematics achievement, the attendance rates, or self concept of the two groups after three years of service. Reading and mathematics scores and attendance rates were taken from the students' permanent records. Self concept was measured using a pretest-posttest. Services were based on each student's perceived needs as determined during consultations with the teachers and others.;Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in reading, attendance and self concept. In mathematics there was no significant difference. Further analysis determined that there were no differences by gender, student grade level, or grade retentions.;Recommendations for further research include longitudinal continuation, the replication with other populations in other geographic areas, a study to determine why mathematics was not effected, a continuation of the study using IGAP scores, and a cost study contrasting the cost of serving at risk youth and of dropping out.;Recommendations for policy adaptation include re-evaluation of dropout prevention which concentrate on the secondary level, re-evaluation of the qualifications and teacher training of teachers working with at risk children, changes in the identification of and delivery of services to at risk students, revision in school record keeping for at risk youth, expansion of the preschool at risk programs, and the expansion of individualized, at risk programs and services.