Social Work Speaks Abstracts

School Dropout Prevention

Approximately one in four students does not graduate from high school in the United States. The problem is especially acute in the inner cities, where about half of students fail to complete high school and where the dropout rate for African American and Hispanic students is especially high. School truancy or attendance problems are the first step toward school dropout. The cost to taxpayers of adult illiteracy is $224 billion per year. Early intervention at the first sign of truancy is essential. Prevention, early and consistent intervention, and individualized flexible and creative educational and youth and family services are all keys to success. To support student learning and success, NASW’s policy on school truancy and dropout prevention is consistent with its mission of enhancing the functioning of individuals, families, and society at large, particularly in light of current social and funding trends.