High school dropouts are a national problem. Alternatives such as online high school can provide a viable option for some students. Internet schools also called virtual high schools are not the answer for all of the problems that can lead to dropping out, but can often rescue significant numbers of potential drop outs.
There are two general categories of the causes of dropping out. These are home related problems, and school related problems. This article will look at the subcategories of drop out predictors and how online high school may address these.
In my view, the guidance that can be provided by a professional case manager would be highly beneficial as soon as a student begins to exhibit predictive signs of dropping out. Typical school counselors are given so many extraneous tasks that they have little time remaining to do actual intervention. When possible, parents should also play as strong role as well.
The first area that is predictive of dropping out is poor academic performance and poor grades. Low grades are reflected in poor self esteem, negative peer acceptance, and general discouragement. Online high school allows the child to catch up in private, recover lost credits, and work at his own pace. .
Another warning sign is failure of a grade. Holding a child back a grade or two can increase his chances of dropping out to more than 90%. Retention is traumatic to a student. The student's friends will move on without him. Classes will become repetitive tedium, and graduation will seem more and more out of reach. In this case, as well, going to an internet school can rescue the child from becoming a drop out.
One area where online high school is only partially effective is for serious behavior problems. When negative peer pressure is to blame, internet school can allow parents to better control and supervise the child's progress. Of course, strong parents are not always available. When a student is often getting in trouble, school can become a place where mostly punishment occurs. An online alternative may be of help.
Behavior problems are difficult to deal with in any setting. When considering switching to online school, it is wise to take into account that online education may require a good deal of self motivation and focus. Without parental supervision and mentoring, these behaviors can disrupt attempt at online schooling as well.
Another predictive sign for dropping out is frequent moving, and frequent absences from school. Portability is a great benefit of online high school. This may be the only way a family that moves often can have continuity of schooling. The only thing needed is an internet connection for the student to attend school. Absences are another case, depending on the cause, but online school may have an answer for this as well.
When drop outs are questioned, they list dislike for school, parental duties, pregnancy, and job priorities as reasons. In these cases, traditional public school may just be too rigid. This is a good situation where the online school can offer the flexibility necessary for schooling to continue to graduation.
All across the U.S. schools are attacking the problem of drop outs. Online high school, while still in development, will have an increasing role to play. Given the nightmarish consequences of entering life without a high school diploma, this problem demands that every alternative be utilized. There are numerous online high schools to choose from. Finding which one is best for a particular child can save a child from poverty, and lost opportunities. - 29958
There are two general categories of the causes of dropping out. These are home related problems, and school related problems. This article will look at the subcategories of drop out predictors and how online high school may address these.
In my view, the guidance that can be provided by a professional case manager would be highly beneficial as soon as a student begins to exhibit predictive signs of dropping out. Typical school counselors are given so many extraneous tasks that they have little time remaining to do actual intervention. When possible, parents should also play as strong role as well.
The first area that is predictive of dropping out is poor academic performance and poor grades. Low grades are reflected in poor self esteem, negative peer acceptance, and general discouragement. Online high school allows the child to catch up in private, recover lost credits, and work at his own pace. .
Another warning sign is failure of a grade. Holding a child back a grade or two can increase his chances of dropping out to more than 90%. Retention is traumatic to a student. The student's friends will move on without him. Classes will become repetitive tedium, and graduation will seem more and more out of reach. In this case, as well, going to an internet school can rescue the child from becoming a drop out.
One area where online high school is only partially effective is for serious behavior problems. When negative peer pressure is to blame, internet school can allow parents to better control and supervise the child's progress. Of course, strong parents are not always available. When a student is often getting in trouble, school can become a place where mostly punishment occurs. An online alternative may be of help.
Behavior problems are difficult to deal with in any setting. When considering switching to online school, it is wise to take into account that online education may require a good deal of self motivation and focus. Without parental supervision and mentoring, these behaviors can disrupt attempt at online schooling as well.
Another predictive sign for dropping out is frequent moving, and frequent absences from school. Portability is a great benefit of online high school. This may be the only way a family that moves often can have continuity of schooling. The only thing needed is an internet connection for the student to attend school. Absences are another case, depending on the cause, but online school may have an answer for this as well.
When drop outs are questioned, they list dislike for school, parental duties, pregnancy, and job priorities as reasons. In these cases, traditional public school may just be too rigid. This is a good situation where the online school can offer the flexibility necessary for schooling to continue to graduation.
All across the U.S. schools are attacking the problem of drop outs. Online high school, while still in development, will have an increasing role to play. Given the nightmarish consequences of entering life without a high school diploma, this problem demands that every alternative be utilized. There are numerous online high schools to choose from. Finding which one is best for a particular child can save a child from poverty, and lost opportunities. - 29958
About the Author:
Ed Desmond is home schooling his daughter the simple way with a virtual high school. If you would like a middle priced priced alternative now offering full $1000 off tuition please follow this link to National High School.
