Intervening to Prevent a Dropout

Resource for Grades 12

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Media Type:
Video

Running Time: 5m 52s
Size: 21.9 MB

Source: FRONTLINE: "Middle School Moment"

This media asset was excerpted from FRONTLINE: "Middle School Moment."

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Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and by Reva and David Logan. Additional funding is provided by the Park Foundation and by the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund.

Related Resources:

Succeeding in School
(Video)

Research focusing on identifying the risk factors associated with students who drop out of high school is featured in this professional development video excerpt from FRONTLINE: "Middle School Moment." Professor Robert Balfanz’s research has shown that middle school is the key moment when, absent effective intervention, students can fall into the patterns that lead them to drop out during high school. In a middle school in New York, Principal Delores Peterson saw value in this research and put it into practice. The video features the story of student Omarina Cabrera, whose chaotic home life caused her to frequently arrive late at school. This triggered a response by her school’s intervention team, who helped provide the targeted support she needed to stay engaged and become successful at school.

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Discussion Questions

Professor Balfanz's research indicates that middle school is the turning point for many students. Why might that be so? In your experience, how does middle school differ from elementary school? For example, how is it organized? What was your own transition like from elementary to middle school?
Professor Balfanz indicated that there were factors in middle school that could be identified that generally indicated that a student was on the path to drop out of high school. What were those factors and how are they evident? How does that compare with your experiences with your students?
The data that professor Belfanz used were quite helpful in identifying students. What steps must be taken after students are identified? What might be the benefits and challenges of these steps?
Professor Balfanz concluded that students needed "shepherding." What does that mean? Do you agree? Explain.
To learn more about Professor Belfanz’s research about early warning indicators, check out Everyone Graduates Center.

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