The Salt Lake Tribune
November 14, 2011
The main goal of this event was to strengthen and accelerate Utah’s efforts to reduce student dropout and increase graduation rates by providing an opportunity for state education leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to learn from experts and each other, and plan policy and practice prevention strategies based on sound research.
For more information, please contact:
BethAnn Berliner
(510) 302-4209
Dropout Prevention: Next Steps for Utah
November 14, 2011
Salt Lake City, Utah
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
The keynote presenter was Dr. Russell Rumberger. Vice Provost for Education Partnerships, University of California Office of the President; Professor, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara; and panelist for the IES-published Dropout Prevention practice guide, he presented an overview of the research and discussed the six recommendations in the guide.
A panel discussion by education and community leaders next focused on the national and state scope and implications (costs and consequences) of dropping out of high school, moderated by Dr. Loujeania Williams Bost, Executive Director, National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities.
A panel of youth discussed their experiences, including reasons for considering dropping out, what supports both in and out of school might have been helpful in preventing dropping out, and the impact that returning to or staying in school is having on their lives. The panel was moderated by Carol Anderson, Education Specialist for Emotional Disabilities and Mental Health, Utah State Office of Education.
Participants had opportunities throughout the day to interact with experts, panelists, and each other to plan next steps to increase academic success for all of Utah's students.
