Dropouts: One is Too Many

The “Dropouts: One is Too Many” coalition is bringing awareness & exploring solutions with communities & leaders for dropout prevention in Michigan.

According to the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan’s statewide dropout rate is approximately 15 percent – about 21,000 students from the Class of 2007 alone. Our state cannot afford the social or economic costs of this dropout crisis: higher crime rates; lower tax revenues; greater strain on public health, housing and human services; and fewer well-educated workers to help attract 21st century jobs. That’s setting aside the immense burden these dropouts will carry personally for the rest of their – and their children’s – lives.

That is why a coalition of groups (the Michigan Education Association, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, the Kent Intermediate School District, Michigan’s Children, Michigan’s Charter Schools, Michigan’s Promise and Michigan Future, Inc.) came together to hold a statewide series of hearings about why students drop out and what works – or doesn’t work – to keep them in school.

1. Students need caring relationships.

2. One size doesn’t fit all students.

3. Tackle the problem early – high school is too late.

4. This isn’t just a “school” problem – community collaboration is critical.