Social interventions help decrease dropout rate

Posted by Beth DuBose on Apr 06, 2009

The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy examined 11 high schools in 9 districts in Massachusetts. These high schools have recently reduced their dropout rates by using strategic interventions designed for their at-risk students. By identifying students that were at-risk of dropping out, these high schools were able to develop targeted interventions for these students. 

Many of these interventions focused on building strong connections between school and college or careers and creating strong relationships with faculty and community partners. Massachusetts is also fortunate to be able to provide alternatives to traditional high schools to these students.



These high schools have embraced the core values of Response to Intervention. They are not looking solely at academics for these students, but at providing interventions for every aspect of their students’ lives. Dropout prevention is a huge concern for high schools, and by providing targeted interventions as these high schools have can help districts decrease their dropout rates significantly.

To read the article, visit Education Week.