Curriculum practices affecting retention in the senior secondary years

Programs for Retaining High School Re-enterers for Credentialling and Employment

“…For these reasons and others such as personal satisfaction, teenagers in Australia and elsewhere are being strongly encouraged to remain at secondary school to complete their final year of High School called Grade (or Year) 12, not only by teachers and schools, parents and the community (Adams, Ball, Braithwaite, Kensell & Low, 1989) but by Education authorities and employers. Completion of high school, it is argued, will enhance young people's future prospects either by making them more employable, or by launching them into further training or education.…”

“…School factors which predict high dropout rates include large student numbers, a narrow and outdated curriculum, and a punitive and unsupportive school climate (see for example, Adams, Ball, Braithwaite, Kensell & Low, 1989;Bryk & Thum, 1989;Kagan, 1990;Wehlage & Rutter, 1986). Family factors associated with school dropout include low levels of parental educational and occupational attainment, limited parental aspirations and support for their child's education, persistent family disharmony and abuse or neglect of the child (see, for example Franklin & Streeter, 1992;Williams, 1985).…”