Intractable as the dropout problem may seem, recognition of its magnitude has created an environment ripe for action. Nationally, 1.2 million students drop out every year, and no state is immune to the crisis. No longer can high schools, the most challenged of which routinely graduate fewer than two-thirds of their students, “go it alone.” Substantially increasing the number of young people who earn a high school diploma and are ready for college will require effective partnerships among states, communities, school districts, and colleges.
Jobs for the Future has identified six policy elements that underpin a holistic state-level policy approach to dropout prevention and recovery. These elements build on the most recent and rigorous research about effective strategies that enable the creation of Back on Track models that reengage young people who have fallen behind or dropped out. Together, they create the right conditions to support the statewide scale-up of these solutions.
The map at the right shows the extent to which state dropout legislation adopted between the passage of federal NCLB legislation in 2002 and December 2009, aligns with the six model policy elements. To ensure the information on this site is accurate and up to date, we invite the public to contact us with feedback.
For more information, read Six Pillars of Effective Dropout Prevention and Recovery: An Assessment of Current State Policy and How to Improve It.
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Back on Track is the term JFF uses to describe schools and programs that serve the off-track and out-of-school student population and put them on a path to success in postsecondary education. Back on Track schools combine challenging academics that prepare students for postsecondary success with a high degree of academic, social, and emotional support, often offered through community partnerships. Back on Track schools are designed to meet the needs of students at different points in their academic trajectory and help all young people make successful transitions to postsecondary education and careers.