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Resource

Dispelling Stereotypes of Young People Who Leave School Before Graduation

September 19, 2016

Part of the Don’t Call Them Dropouts series of research, Dispelling Stereotypes of Young People Who Leave School Before Graduation explores the social and emotional competencies of young people who have left school before graduating from high school. Though often labeled “dropouts,” by society, stereotypes assume that these young people are deficient and simply disengaged – lacking the competencies of those that do graduate.

Our analyses show that young people who left school expressed the same competencies as those that have been found for young people who are academically successful. And, while not always legal or socially acceptable, the competencies of young people who left school before graduating enabled them to pursue and successfully reach their goals. Often, these goals were focused on circumstances that were dissonant with attending school, such as caring for a family member, surviving violent and/or abusive situations or financially providing for themselves or their families.

The brief focuses on a framework developed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which includes the following core skills:

  • Responsible decision-making
  • Self-management
  • Relationship skills
  • Social awareness
  • Self-awareness

Organizations that help young people resolve issues of trauma, overcome social and economic barriers and provide access to job training and educational support, leverage young peoples’ strengths and encourage positive outcomes in their lives.

For more information on Don’t Call Them Dropouts, visit gradnation.org.

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About the Author

Center for Promise Squared
Center for Promise

The Center for Promise, in collaboration with Boston University School of Education, is the first-ever research center for America’s Promise Alliance. The mission of the Center is to develop a deep knowledge and understanding about what is needed to help create the conditions so that all young people in America have the opportunity to succeed in school and life. The Center’s work will add to the academic exploration of these issues and help give communities and individuals the tools and knowledge to effectively work together to support young people.

College & Career Using Data
The 5 Promises

The 5 Promises represent conditions children need to achieve adult success. The collective work of the Alliance involves keeping these promises to America’s youth. This article relates to the promises highlighted below:

Caring Adults Caring Adults Safe Places Safe Places A Healthy Start A Healthy Start Effective Education Effective Education Opportunities to Help Others Opportunities to Help Others

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June 11, 2020
The State of Young People during COVID-19
January 28, 2020
Creating Cultures of Care: Supporting the Whole Child through Trauma-Informed Practice
April 08, 2019
Building Systems of Integrated Student Support
March 12, 2019
From A Nation At Risk: To A Nation At Hope
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