School Dropouts

 

A dropout is someone who has left school or college before they have finished their studies.

 School dropout means leaving high school, university or another group for practical reasons, necessities, or disillusionment with the system from which the individual in question leaves. The lack of parental involvement is the problem that often leads to higher dropout rates, especially with high school students. Parents play an important role when itcomes to high  school attendance.  

The causes of high school dropouts are:

• Academic failure. Struggling in school on a daily basis is the biggest reason most students choose to drop out of high school. 
• Disengagement with life and parental decision-making.
• Pregnancy 
• Financial difficulties 
• Mental illness 
• Drug use/ Addiction 
• Disabilities 
• Bullying 

How to keep students from dropping out 

After recognizing the issues facing students at risk of dropping out, the inevitable question becomes, what can be done to keep them in School? The following takes a look at some concrete steps Parents and even students can take to stay the course and graduate from high school or university.

What can parents do? 

Communicate 

Parents should always keep an open line of commutation with their children. " They are bound to hide things from you, but let them know that you'll always have their back if things go wrong".

Talk to them about career realities 

Talk to your children about your own career path and the paths of others. Help them see the differences between gaining a high school diploma/ college degree and how many more doors open for them at each level.

Don't pressure them to do too much 

While it's good to for parents to encourage and champion their children's abilities, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. If your child seems stressed by too many extracurriculars and expectations, encourage themto prioritize their education and cut back on things causing them stress- atleast for a While. 

What Students can do?

Ask for help 

At both the high and university level, students shouldn't be afraid to ask for help if they need it. Regardless of the obstacle at the hand, reach out to your parents, a favourite teacher or anyone else in your life whom you trust and let that person know what's going. It may feel stressful at first, but chances are that person has an idea for how to help you.

 Set study goals 

Make a study schedule and stick to it. Discipline, not intelligence is the key to university success and hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard. Form study groups and make study guides flash cards.  Surround yourself with like-minded individuals.

Be mindful about nutrition 

A good diet Will keep your energy levels high and your mood sustained. Research shows that diets high in trans fats and saturated fats can affect learning and memory in a negative way, while proper nutrition can improve cognition, concentration and energy levels.