“Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

International Dropout News

Western Cape Schools Look to High School Prep to Stem Dropout Rate - Cape Argus, 2/27/08

Education Minister Naledi Pandoor (Western Cape, South Africa) recently announced the results of a study that indicates that nearly 50% of students enrolled in grade six did not graduate high school. High school principals and teachers believe that lack of preparation and mastery of reading and math skills results in failure for already low-achieving students. While some students may be better suited to a vocational education track, the Western Cape does not have appropriate facilities. The government will continue to examine its pupil attainment strategy and review possible retention solutions.

Netherlands Connects Dropout Rate with Work Prospects in Jobs for Youth Report - 2/8/08

Keeping students in school is no less of a challenge in Europe than it is in the United States, as revealed in Jobs for Youth: Netherlands, the latest in a series of Organisation for Economic and Co-operative Development (OECD) reports on youth employment policies covering sixteen countries. Not surprisingly, this report shows that a high dropout rate among immigrant students leads to a disproportionately high unemployment rate for this group as well. Among the recommendations being considered by the Dutch government are early intervention programs for at-risk students, a return to a core skills curriculum and better paths to vocational training.

New Funding Source Information Available at ScholarCentric.com

Several new resources have been added to the Funding Resources page on the ScholarCentric website. A selection of Title I, IV, V, and X that support funding of dropout and retention programs are available, as well as funding guides for the states of California, Texas and Washington. Each resource includes information on what ScholarCentric instructional materials can be used in conjunction with program grants. Additional information for grant seekers can also be found on the Funding Resources page, such as Vocabulary Basics, and tips for finding and applying for grant money.

New and Recommended

Edwards, S.W and R. Edwards. The Principal's Role in Dropout Prevention: Seven Key Principles. National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. 2007. ES0602. $8.00. Available from NDPC/N.

Wartgow, Jerry. Why School Reform Is Failing and What We Need To Do About It: 10 Lessons from the Trenches. Rowman & Littlefield. 2007. ISBN: 978-1578866984. $29.95

Conference Calendar

Schools to Watch, June 19-21, 2008, Washington DC

The National AfterSchool Association conference is an important professional development experience for afterschool professionals and educators. The NAA conference gives educators the opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn about the latest tools and resources needed to offer children the highest quality afterschool and summer programs. Soledad O’Brien from CNN’s Special Investigations Unit is a featured keynote speaker.

Have news you’d like to share? E-mail us at NewsEditor@ScholarCentric.com

About this Newsletter

Success Highways News is brought to you by ScholarCentric, publisher of Success Highways, a dropout prevention program for students in grades 7-9. You can reach us at info@scholarcentric.com, visit our Web site at http://www.scholarcentric.com, or call us at our toll free number 800-995-8779.

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