Did you know?
- In 2007, Kentucky’s dropout rate was approximately 3.17 students per high school.
- In 2007, the percent of the Kentucky teenage population who are high school dropouts was estimated at 8% (ranked 36th nationally).
- The greatest reported reasons students drop out are: boredom, failing grades, economic reasons, and feeling a lack of belonging.
We know you care about your student’s future. You work to provide for your family, and to give your children a better life. In a tough economy, time at home or at school functions is limited. So what can you do?
How to Prevent Your Student from Dropping Out
- Watch for the warning signs. Frequent absences, lack of participation in extracurricular activities, hearing students say they dislike school, and continual (over five) discipline referrals are all warning signs that students are at-risk of dropping out.
- Communicate with educators. If parent-teacher conferences are not at convenient times, try communicating with your student’s teacher through mobile phone conversations or email. Ask teachers for consistent updates, not merely negative reports.
- Motivate your student. Help them understand the importance of achieving a high school diploma. Encourage them to develop high dreams and goals.
- Ensure consistent attendance. Make sure your student is attending every class.
Your children are the keys to a stronger, more prosperous Commonwealth. A healthy education coupled with the dedication and tenacity towards becoming an intelligent and informed citizen will not only enhance the intellectual prowess of Kentucky, but raise it to being a nationally recognized intellectual leader among its peers. Cultivating these sentiments can be your investment in our future.
Resources for Parents
The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance within the Institute of Education Sciences has released a report from REL Northeast, Parent involvement strategies in urban middle and high schools in the Northeast and Islands Region (PDF).
Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership
Kentucky PTA
Kentucky Parent Information & Resource Center
Get Involved
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Students
- Information for students to consider about the importance of education and staying in school
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Parents
- Information for parents to help your children meet the education challenge
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Schools
- Best practices of Schools across the Commonwealth accepting the challenge
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Communities
- See how Communities throughout Kentucky can accept the challenge
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Businesses
- See How Your Business can accept the challenge and win with Kentucky