A dropout prevention program for at-risk high school students: Emphasizing consulting to promote positive classroom climates

08/01/2025 | PAXIS Institute |

Attendance problems are characteristic of students who drop out of school. Punitive classroom environments have been identified as a major contributor to attendance problems. An attempt was made to reduce dropouts by making classroom environments less punitive, primarily through consultation and tutoring services. Dropout rates were obtained for atrisk students that were lower than the overall district’s dropout rate. As a function of consultation, an increased percentage of students working on assigned tasks and an increase in teachers’ rates of providing approving statements, with corresponding decreases in their disapproving statements, were obtained. In addition, a 35.5% decrease in suspensions occurred. Thus, the classroom environment became more positive, more students were doing their assignments, and dropouts and suspensions decreased.

Citation: Mayer GR, Mitchell LK, Clementi T, Clement-Robertson E, Myatt R, & Bullara DT. 1993. A dropout prevention program for at-risk high school students: Emphasizing consulting to promote positive classroom climates. Education and Treatment of Children, 16, 135-146.

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