Spalding Junior High, Unit 1 Dropout Prevention Program. Maxi 2 Practicum

The purpose of this practicum was to develop strategies to reduce the dropout rate at Spalding Junior High, Unit 1, Griffin, Georgia. Potential dropouts were identified and specific strategies were used to assist students in solving problems which caused them to become potential dropouts. Some of the strategies developed were: (1) faculty intervention with dropout prevention plans; (2) positive identification of potential dropouts; (3) personal counseling of selected students; (4) parental counseling; and (5) placement of students in alternative schools. The dropout rate was reduced from 11.58% to 5.26% as a result. Of the 95 potential identified dropouts, 23 remained in school. Teacher attitudes towards the potential dropout have shown improvement. The potential dropout has also shown more interest in school activities as a result of the instituted strategies. (Author)