Mr. Seemy and Ms. Kahn are worried about the high dropout rate at a nearby high school. They know that when students drop out, they take an enormous risk with their futures.

These two teachers have a lot of integrity and want to know what they can do that might help convince reluctant students to stay in school. They find data about this persistent problem in a report called “The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts.” It was released by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2006.

In this report, researchers John M. Bridgeland, John J. Dilulio, Jr., and Karen Burke Morison asked dropouts directly what they believed would improve students’ chances of staying in school. Here is how they responded.

Imagine Mr. Seemy and Ms. Kahn asked you to think of one specific recommendation for them that could help with the problem. What would you suggest? Remember to base your recommendation on these data or on other factual information.

Discussion Question:

Imagine that one of your good friends is persistent about wanting to drop out of school. What would you say to convince your friend to stay in school?