Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1986

Thesis Director

Harry Merigis

Abstract

The purpose of this field study was to identify the need and present a workable model designed to address minority dropout prevention for the Decatur, Illinois, Public School District #61. The overall district dropout rate at the time this field study commenced was 26.6 percent. However, the dropout rate for minority (Black) males was 43.1 percent and 24.9 percent for minority (Black) females. The data shows that a problem of minority dropouts did exist in Decatur School District #61 and that a preventive program was needed to address this problem.The Program to Improve Student Attendance (PISA), was designed for use in the Decatur, Illinois Public School District #61, but the researcher believes that it can be modified and/or adapted for use in any public school system where a minority dropout problem exists. This study is divided into four chapters. Chapter one presents a general overview of the problem including reasons why students drop out of school. Chapter two gives additional information/data specific to the Decatur, Illinois School District #61 further justifying the need for this study and reviews current literature on dropout problems and programs. Chapter three presents the proposed program model as a solution for reducing minority dropouts in Decatur, Illinois. This chapter establishes staffing needs, explains the referral process, and describes the services and programs avaliable for the students and their families through this program. Chapter four includes the resultant summary and recommendations based upon information obtained during the course of the research project.

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