NCJ Number
118165
Date Published
1988
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This analysis of issues and services related to youths at risk of dropping out of school in Arkansas accompanies 49 recommendations for policies, procedures, programs, and community resources to address the problem.
Abstract
Arkansas currently has more than 700,000 people without a high school education. The consequences of dropping out include lost income, lost tax revenue, unemployment and welfare costs, and increased public and human services. Thus, a strategy is needed to involve government, parents, educators, and youth to prepare Arkansas's children to become thoughtful, productive members of society. The task force established to examine these issues recommends changes in procedures regarding suspensions and expulsions, the use of in-school suspension programs, and efforts to address truancy and chronic absenteeism. Other recommendations include improved use of community resources by school systems and improved efforts to provide employability and youth competency skills for school dropouts and youths at risk. Appended specific proposals, lists of committee members, and definition of youth at risk.