Lifelong Learning Project - School Inclusion - Preventing Early School Leaving

Drop Outs or Early School Leavers: More Than a Difference in Verbiage?

Alana James.

Alana James.

Ireland 2005

Research Document

English

English

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare steps taken in the United States and Ireland to prevent students leaving school without sufficient qualifications. The study focuses on the context and attitudes towards educational disadvantage in the two countries and the subsequent policies.

It provides a comparison of the two educational systems and two understandings of risk and risk factors. It explores the policies that affect practice in relation to educational disadvantage.

It concludes with a list of recommendations – some of which are similar for both the Ireland and the United States, and others that differ. Some of the recommendations encourage similar steps to educational leaders that aim to strengthen collaborative work by suggesting community group involvement to help bolster resources in disadvantaged schools.
The research indicates how both countries can learn from policies and actions that the other has already in place to prevent early school leaving.

This study is a short and succinct overview of the situation in both countries and quickly addresses the causes and recommendations.

Ann Caulfield

Mayo Education Centre

Researcher