Why They Leave

Posted on March 4, 2009 - Permalink
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BSC's Institute of Regional Development (IRD) recently began conducting a survey of Brockton school dropouts to determine what affected the students' decision, and how that information can be used to keep them in the classroom.

Commissioned by the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, the study began last month and is slated for completion this May. Its results should reveal which students are most at-risk of dropping out, what circumstances influenced their decision and whether or not they have re-entered the education system through another program. Some students will be surveyed by mail while others will be interviewed in person, as will school district representatives.

Heading up the study are three faculty members: Dr. Thomas Brady, assistant professor of education and allied studies; Dr. Robert Amey, assistant professor of geography; and Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger, assistant professor of political science and faculty director for the IRD.

Dr. Brady said the results could provide information on how to restructure curriculum and shape school policies.

"This could be very significant," he said, adding, "It could increase students' options in life."

Established in 1996, the IRD serves as a resource center for the public, private and non-profit sectors of Southeastern Massachusetts through applied research, training and technical assistance programs.

Dr. Leuenberger said the study certainly furthers the IRD's mission.

"It really fits into our plan to assist local communities," she said. (Rob Matheson, Institutional Communications)