Research Library
Reenrollment of High School Dropouts in a Large, Urban School District
Author: Berliner, B, Barrat, V., Fong, A., Shirk, P.
Publisher: REL West
Publication Date: 2008, July
Publisher City: San Francisco
Publisher State: CA
Journal: REL West Issues and Answers
Journal Volume: REL 2008 - No.056
Summary or Abstract: This study follows a cohort of first-time ninth-graders from one District over five years, documenting the numbers, characteristics and graduation outcomes of students who dropped out and subsequently reenrolled in the district. For the one-third of dropouts who reenrolled in the district over that period, it reports course credit accrual and graduation outcomes as well as personal and academic reasons why students dropped out and re-enrolled in high school programs
District contacts reported a strong commitment to reenrolling dropouts but cited practical challenges or disincentives to reenrollment, including inadequate early intervention opportunities for students to earn missing credits, capacity concerns, funding and accountability concerns. It includes suggestions from district staff and students including policies, practices and areas for further research.