Purpose

This program assists schools with dropout rates above their state average to implement effective dropout prevention and reentry efforts. The program is a response to a national status dropout rates of about 11 percent over the past decade (with significantly higher rates in some regions and for some groups of students) and the poor labor market outcomes for those without a high school credential.

How It Works

The Dropout Prevention Program is primarily a grant program to state education agencies (SEAs) and local school districts to implement research-based, sustainable, and coordinated school dropout prevention and reentry programs. At the current appropriation level, grants will be awarded competitively and used for activities such as professional development; reduction in student-teacher ratios; counseling and mentoring for at-risk students; and implementing comprehensive school reform models. The U.S. Department of Education also will create a national recognition program to identify schools implementing comprehensive reforms that have been effective in lowering school dropout rates for all students.

Key Requirements

SEAs and districts must implement research-based instructional practices and other activities, and target funds to schools with annual dropout rates above their state average.

How Performance Is Measured

SEAs and school districts must report dropout data disaggregated by race and ethnicity for schools receiving program funds.

Key Activities For The State Education Agencies

State education agencies (SEAs) must:

• Report annually to the U.S. Department of Education on the status of implementation activities and on dropout rates, disaggregated by race and ethnicity, for students at schools assisted by the grant program. In addition, grantees must report annual school dropout rates for the two fiscal years prior to receiving funds under the grant.