PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania’s sole programmatic investment in dropout prevention over the past eight years has come via its Successful Students Partnership programs. The Successful Students Partnership funds districts with dropout rates above the state's average to develop local resources and strategies. These programs must incorporate seven essential elements: (1) early identification of students at-risk of leaving school before graduation; (2) academic support and effective instruction; (3) community service and service learning; (4) family involvement; (5) staff development; (6) business-education partnerships; and (7) collaboration with other programs. Between 2005 and 2008, $566,000 was awarded with most districts receiving $39,000.

Pennsylvania plans to report its graduation rate using the National Governors Association’s methodology in 2011. It set the compulsory attendance age at 17 prior to 2002, but allows parents or districts in Pennsylvania to release students from school at age 16 due to employment or other reasons. The maximum public school entitlement age is 21.