Effectiveness of individualised support measures in the dropout prevention model (DPM) in Serbian schools

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of individualised support measures within the Dropout Prevention Model (DPM) after two years of implementation in 10 pilot schools in the seven most vulnerable municipalities in Serbia. The core activities within the DPM identification of students at risk of dropping out were the calculation of the Risk Index (RI) for each of them, and the development of the Individual Plans for Dropout Prevention (IPDPs) as a tool for sustainable planning and provision of support to at-risk students. The sample consisted of 450 students with IPDPs from the pool of 5,884 students with the calculated RI. The evaluation of individualised support measures was conducted through quasi-experimental design at different time points, a qualitative analysis of structural aspects of IPDPs and the examination of the relationship of categories of measures and risk factors, RI and key indicators. Results demonstrate desirable effects of the individualised measures on the prevention of dropout. The Instrument for identification of students at risk of dropout showed high sensitivity for students at very high dropout risk. Only 5% of the students at very high dropout risk for whom IPDPs were developed dropped out of school after two years of implementation of the DPM. Further analysis of the correspondence between the types of support in IPDPs showed a good adjustment to the types of 1 The DPM has been developed during the UNICEF/Centre for Education Policy project "Combating early school leaving in Serbia through effective dropout prevention and intervention measures at the school level".

The Unequal Impacts of COVID-19 on Student Learning

“…Finally, the impact of SMS reminders to listen to the radio distance 40 UNICEF (2018). 41 Faria et al (2018), De Witte and Cabus (2010), Mathematica (2015), Jovanović et al (2017), Early (2015), Mathematica (2015). 42 World Bank (forthcoming).…”

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“…The instrument included risk factors (such as SES, absenteeism, academic achievement) that potentially influence dropout for each student. A detailed explanation on the calculation of the dropout risk index (RI) is provided in Jovanović, Čekić Marković, Jokić and Ranković (2017).…”