Texas’ dropout prevention efforts praised in national report

In a forthcoming national report, Texas is being praised for holistic efforts to reduce dropout rates and recognized as one of only three states to have made progress in all six policy areas studied since 2002.

“Texas stands out for its coherent and far-reaching strategy to put dropouts and struggling students at the center of high school reform,” says the independently conducted report, “Six Pillars of Effective Dropout Prevention and Recovery,” to be issued by Jobs for the Future (JFF). This national nonprofit organization develops, implements and promotes education and workforce strategies that help communities, states and the nation compete in a global economy.

After adopting more rigorous dropout definitions and TAKS-passing standards for graduation in 2006 and 2007, respectively, Texas has reduced the drop-out rate consistently. The four-year dropout rate in Texas fell from 11.4 percent in 2007 to 10.5 percent in 2008 to 9.4 percent in 2009.

Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott says, “Although too many students still drop out of schools, Texas is aggressively addressing the problem through a number of programs. It’s nice to get recognition for this comprehensive effort that involves the Legislature, the Texas Education Agency, educators, students and parents working together to create success for students.”

The Texas Legislature has been an active partner in providing resources to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to reduce dropout rates, beginning in 1984 with HB 72, which authorized TEA to collect data on student dropout rates and develop a program to reduce that rate.

The JFF report claims that Texas is one of the states that is addressing the dropout situation in a comprehensive manner.

“Drawing on the latest research on predicting dropouts, Texas uses its at-risk student indicator system to trigger significant reforms (and resources) targeted toward schools and students with the greatest need. In 2003, Texas built on this foundation by enacting the state’s first legislation on early college high schools (SB 976), adopting the National Center for Education Statistics definition of a dropout (SB 186), and appropriating $60 million for high school completion and success programs,” the report says.

In 2006, the Legislature amended HB 1, requiring all students to graduate with four years of math, science, English and social studies. It also added the High School Allotment, providing school districts with $275 per student to prepare students most at risk for dropout to prepare for high school completion.

“In 2007, the state enacted HB 2237, Texas’s comprehensive policy approach to reduce dropouts and increase the number of students who graduate ready for post-secondary success. Also that year, Texas enacted HB 1137, which authorizes funding for school districts to help young people up to age 26 receive a high school diploma,” the report continues. HB 2237 also increased funding for high school completion and success to $104 million.

The JFF report examined six model policy elements that frame a strategy for dropout prevention and recovery:

1. Reinforce the right to a public education;
2. Count and account for dropouts;
3. Use graduation and on-track rates to trigger transformative reform;
4. Invent new models;
5. Accelerate preparation for postsecondary success;
6. Provide stable funding for systemic reform.

The Texas Education Agency has focused its efforts around four proven, research-based strategies:

• Learning environments are challenging and personalized for each student.
• Mentors are used as role models and advocates for students.
• Students who are behind in school receive academic support.
• Data systems identify struggling students who need early intervention.

“The increased graduation rate and the declining dropout rate are strong signs that our approach is working,” Scott says.