Trends in North Carolina School Suspensions and Dropout Rates from 2004-2008
This report analyzes short-term and long-term suspension trends along with dropout rates in North Carolina from 2004-2008 for grades 9-12. It details the leading causes of suspensions, including disruptive behavior and possession of illegal substances, and identifies primary dropout reasons such as attendance issues and academic struggles. The report highlights significant at-risk factors affecting student retention, including attendance patterns and behavioral issues, and discusses implications and strategies for reducing suspensions and dropouts through innovative programs and supportive interventions.
Trends in North Carolina School Suspensions and Dropout Rates from 2004-2008
E N D
Presentation Transcript
NC Schools Dropout Data School Suspensions and Dropouts In North Carolina Charlotte Hughes Ken Gattis Program Monitoring & Support Division NC Department of Public Instruction
Highest and Lowest 5-Year Average Short-Term Suspension (STS) Rates Among School Districts
Highest and Lowest 5-Year Average Long-Term Suspension (LTS) Rates Among School Districts
Highest and Lowest 5-Year Average Dropout Rates Among School Districts
5-Year Average Dropout Rates Related to High/Low LTS or STS Rates
Reasons for Suspensions • Short-term suspensions reported 2007-08 : 1. Disruptive Behavior 2. Fighting 3. Insubordination • Long-term suspensions reported 2007-08: 1. Possession of an Illegal Substance 2. Possession of a Weapon 3. Disruptive Behavior (from NC Suspension Report Data)
Reasons for High School Dropouts • Top three reasons reported in 2007-08: 1. Attendance problems (10,766) 2. Enrollment in a Community College (3,684) 3. Academic problems (1,623) • Other reasons reported in 2007-08: • Failure to return after a long-term suspension (770) • Discipline problems (511) • Incarcerated in an adult facility (288) (from NC Dropout Report Data)
Significant At-Risk Factors • Attendance • Behavior • Academics – Math and Reading • School Retention
Significant At-Risk Factors • Attendance 66% accuracy by third grade of potential dropouts (Barrington & Hendricks, 1989) 6th graders who do not attend school regularly -10% chance of graduating on time; 20% chance of graduating a year late (Balfanz, 2006) • Behavior and Coping Skills 1st graders who were rated highly aggressive (Ensminger & Slusarcick,1992) 17% on-time graduation rate - middle school students with poor attendance (Balfanz, 2006)
Significant At-Risk Factors • Academics – Reading and Math Reading: 2-years behind - 8% chance of catching up(Dr. George Batshe, 2010) Middle school -16% on-time graduation rate(Balfanz, 2006) Math: Middle school – 21% on-time graduation rate((Balfanz, 2006) • Retention K-4 grades – 5x more likely to drop out(Kaufman & Bradby, 1992) Middle School – retained one year – 11x more likely to drop out of high school (Balfanz, 2006) retained two years – 90% risk of dropping out of high school (Balfanz, 2006)
Implications of Suspension/Dropout Data Trends • Current resource focus at the high school level • Connection to elementary and middle schools
Reducing Suspensions and Dropouts • 9th Grade Academies • Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) Program • School Teams working with most at-risk students • Finding alternatives for at-risk students - Alternative Schools / Alternative Learning Programs - Credit Recovery Programs with scheduling flexibility - NC Virtual High School - Alternative Diplomas