This comprehensive study takes a look at the hard numbers reflecting the impact of the dropout problem, and then focuses on twelve communities re-engaging dropouts and what makes their programs successful. Findings include the importance of literacy and numeracy skills as a base for academic success, along with multiple supports to help overcome health, mental health, language and other barriers. Other factors contributing to success include program flexibility and the presence of a committed, supportive adult for youth.

Special Report: Fighting the Dropout Crisis
(Washington Monthly)

This report looks at the efforts of three cities—New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, OR—to increase graduation rates, and notes that similar methods reflect varying successes by city. Similarities between approaches include overhauling low-performing schools and creating more alternative schools and programs; differences include divergent levels in accountability for leaders and in expectations for students to graduate.

Freshman Year: The Make-it or Break-it Year
(The Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago)

Working in cooperation with Chicago Public Schools, University of Chicago Researchers have analyzed years of data—surveys, standardized tests, student grades, attendance records—to understand what really matters when it comes to graduating from Chicago Public Schools.  According to this article, freshman year is the most important year and a crucial chance for a fresh start, and, schools can improve their graduation rates by paying attention to the right things and the right freshman right away.

The American High School Graduation Rate: Trends and Levels
(Institute for the Study of Labor)

This paper uses multiple data sources and a unified methodology to estimate the trends and levels of the U.S. high school graduation rate.

Best Practices in Dropout Prevention
(Prepared for the Texas Education Agency by ICF International and the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network)

As stated in this report, “Dropout prevention is a complicated endeavor and must involve a wide range of services to tackle a wide range of problems.” This study concludes that best practices from existing programs emphasize collaboration between schools, community organizations, families, and students. Other successful strategies include one-on-one connections between youth and adults, and alternatives to traditional schools and learning styles.