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Children, Youth, and Education Archive

Children, Youth, and Education Files

Graduation and Dropout Rates

Modified on 10 August 2010

Graduation and Dropout Rates: Graduation rates are high in DuPage, and dropout rates are low. However, like the rest of the region, African American and Hispanic/Latino youth drop out of school in high numbers. Dropping out of high school not only affects the students themselves, by reducing lifetime earning potential, but also reduces the productivity of the larger economy. Therefore, it is important to implement strategies that address the disparity in dropout rates. Successful dropout prevention programs emphasize data systems to identify at-risk students, adult advocates to provide sustained relationships, academic supports both inside and outside the school system, addressing social or behavioral problems, a welcoming learning environment, and rigorous and relevant instruction.

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Head Start Enrollment

Modified on 10 August 2010

Head Start Enrollment: Head Start programs began in urban areas in an effort to avoid achievement gaps for disadvantaged children. However, the growth of low-income and non-English speaking populations in the suburbs suggests the need to enhance pre-school programs in the suburbs. A local initiative in DuPage that is designed to fill this gap is Educare of West DuPage, which is part of a national Educare model affiliated with the Bounce Learning Network of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The DuPage Community Foundation is also focusing on this issue as part of its CommunityWorks initiative.

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Elementary School Student Performance

Modified on 18 August 2010

Elementary School Student Performance: The students in DuPage elementary schools generally perform above the statewide average on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). The tests are used to measure school performance relating to statewide standards by measuring the performance of students in these schools. A student’s performance can be a good indicator (but not the only one) of academic success in school and, by inference, in future life. The data suggest that low income and minority students do less well on these tests, and this disparity should be addressed.

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High School Student Performance

Modified on 18 August 2010

High School Student Performance: The students in DuPage high schools generally perform above the statewide average on the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE). The tests are based to a large degree on the ACTs, and they include the ACT as well as WorkKeys assessments in Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics. Therefore, they are also testing workplace readiness. A student’s performance can be an indicator of academic success in postsecondary schools and in the workplace. The data suggest that low income and minority students do less well on these tests, and this disparity should be addressed. The United Way of DuPage and West Cook is one agency focusing on this issue by emphasizing community schools and high school readiness.

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Preparing for Work (WorkKeys)

Modified on 18 August 2010

Preparing for Work (WorkKeys): On average, DuPage high school students perform above state and national benchmarks on assessments of work skills. These assessments, which are part of the PSAE, are specifically targeted to two types of skills (applied Mathematics and Reading for Information) that are essential in the workplace. Higher levels of proficiency predict greater success in finding and keeping a good job. Recent reports note that a large percentage of all DuPage students are not ready for college or for the workforce upon leaving high school. Additionally, minority and low-income students are disproportionally on a path to low-wage jobs. Strategies need to be developed to reverse these trends.

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At Risk Youth

Modified on 10 August 2010

At Risk Youth: There are some signs that youth are at less risk in DuPage than elsewhere when considering criminal behavior, truancy, and substance abuse indicators. However, disparities when considering race and ethnicity are just as prevalent in DuPage. National strategies focusing on “Disproportionate Minority Contact in the juvenile justice system are available from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) maintains a Truancy Intervention Program, and the DuPage County Health Department includes substance abuse prevention strategies in its 2010 IPLAN.

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