Many students drop out of school because they fail a class and do not think they can improve their grades. Help your students keep track of their grades before they fail your class. Hold frequent student conferences to let them know how they are doing. Provide extra credit opportunities whenever possible. Encourage students to ask for help when they do not understand something, and offer extra time after school for study session for students who need additional help.
If you are concerned that a student might be at risk for dropping out of school, reach out to that student's family. Contact parents or extended family members and let them know about your concerns. Get family members involved in school activities by sending out weekly newsletters or staying in touch through emails, notes home or phone calls.
Talk openly with your students about the subject of school drop-outs by holding a whole-class discussion. Ask students why they believe students leave high school without graduating. Discuss factors, such as low grades, family problems and pregnancy, that may lead a student to drop out of school, and how those problems might be avoided. Ask students to share their feelings and experiences, and how they believe their parents, teachers and school administrators can help. Provide students with contact information of resources that might help.
Get your students involved in school through extracurricular activities. Talk with your students about their talents and interests and make suggestions about activities they might enjoy. Give students details about school sports teams such as track, tennis, football or soccer. Get students interested in joining the school band or chorus, or taking part in after-school clubs. Help students begin their own student groups if they are unable to find something that they are interested in.