Virginia Educational Research Association: Case Study of the Factors Contributing to Graduation From a Secondary Dropout Prevention Program

• In Event: Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Paper Session 2

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the perceptions of faculty, staff, parents, and high school graduates regarding factors impacting high graduation rates of students in a dropout prevention program. Data was collected around how the application process, onboarding program, academic progress monitoring and interventions, and social, emotional, and mental health supports contributed to the program’s high graduation rate. Findings indicated the student-advisor relationship, staff training in trauma-informed practices, staff collaboration, and providing a flexible and responsive program structure supported were factors in the high graduation rate of students in this dropout prevention program. These findings were used to develop four corresponding implications for practice to positively impact student graduation from alternative and traditional educational settings.
Keywords: dropout prevention, alternative programs, trauma-informed practices, mentor, flexible schedule, staff development, graduation

Author

• Marya A. Runkle, Alexandria City Public Schools
  Presenting Author