A Guide for Dropout Prevention. Creating an Integrated Learning Environment in Secondary Schools. Dropout Prevention Series

This guide explores ways that schools can put the idea of integrating educational and community support for dropout prevention to work in the school and community. Part 1, "Implementing a Plan for Restructuring the School," recommends the formation of a task force to involve the community and school staff from the start. It also describes the integrated learning environment (ILE) that is at the heart of the effective plan of action. Part 2, "Generating Strategies To Create an Integrated Learning Environment," suggests strategies that schools can adopt or adapt to implement their notions of the ILE within their schools. Both schoolwide and classroom-based interventions are discussed and illustrated. Schools may tailor these interventions to their local conditions. Four chapters in this part explore ways that schools can manipulate school-level factors related to dropping out--reducing truancy, providing alternative school schedules, examining school policies that affect retention, and improving school climate. The rest of part 2 focuses on the events in the classroom that are indicative of an ILE. They include increasing educational relevance, changing teacher roles, creating a career-focused curriculum, providing for success, and monitoring progress. A list of 236 references concludes the guide. (YLB)