Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan recently issued a Dropout Challenge to every Michigan elementary, middle, and high school in the state. The challenge draws on research that shows most students send distress signals years before they drop out of school. Early warning signs displayed by students nearing or entering transitional school years, such as 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grades or beyond, have been proven to be strong dropout predictors. Superintendent Flanagan is currently seeking schools to participate in the challenge.

MASA has committed its support for the Dropout Challenge, and will work with experts in dropout prevention to identify resources and learning opportunities to help schools meet the challenge. The MDE has already set up a resource page to help schools begin the process.

Each Michigan school committing to the Dropout Challenge will be asked to use their existing student achievement, retention, attendance and behavior data to identify 10-15 students with multiple early warning dropout signs and provide appropriate research-based supports and interventions.

The MDE says the challenge also could help these schools meet federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements under No Child Left Behind and engage both parents and the community in participating in a comprehensive dropout solution.

Learn more about the Dropout Challenge…

Access the MDE Dropout Challenge resource page.

Commit to the Challenge…

View a related July 10 Detroit News editorial…