Student Dropout From School
The phenomenon of students dropping out of school is common in many countries. An average of 12% of students dropped out of school in Europe in 2008, while in the 33 member countries of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) it averaged 14% (OECD education database, 2009). The US Department of Education (2010) reported a rate of 8% in 2008, while in Israel it was lower, standing at about 6%, notably in junior high schools and high schools (Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 2010). The dimensions of the phenomenon present a daunting social problem and a national challenge.
Diligence in studying and acquiring education are perceived in Israeli society as key values influencing the social development of the population, its character and its future. Dropping out is the main cause that feeds social disparity and the students' feeling of alienation towards school and the environment, and damages their development and future (Richman, Rosenfeld, & Bowen, 1998). Students who are exposed to neglect, to abuse or to a dangerous environment are at risk, and also in danger of dropping out from school (Dolev & Ben-Rabi, 2002; Zionest & Tamir, 2002(. Some 18% of students in Israel are at risk and their percentage is constantly increasing (Ben Aryeh & Zionest, 2001).
Apart from overt dropping out that refers to formally leaving school, the literature recognizes disengagement from school, typical of students at risk. The dimensions of this latter phenomenon are far greater than of the overt phenomenon, wherein students are in an educational framework from the administrative perspective, but do not attain minimal learning achievements, are frequently absent, suffer from a feeling of failure, and feel alienated from school that they do not perceive as a lever for real success (Cohen–Navot, Ellenbogen, & Reinfeld, 2001). The dropout's feeling of rejection is liable to transform him/her from a person who contributes to society to one who works against society (Neumann, 1991; Rumberger, 1987). Therefore, according to Neumann (1991), a society, that is interested in the safety of its citizens and is committed to protecting them from crime and juvenile delinquency, must deal with the problem of dropouts and position it as one of its main educational tasks.
Prevatt and Kelly (2003) reviewed many articles published between 1982-2002 on the problem of regular attendance, failure at school and dropping out. Their main recommendations for coping with the problem pertain to diverse aspects such as, social support, advancing social and personal skills, monitoring and the early location of students at risk, mentoring, increasing parental involvement, greater involvement of the teachers, and support to advance the students' academic skills. Azzam (2007) in his study of the factors for dropping out amongst students also proposes several complementary strategies: reducing the size of the classes, recruiting teachers with high qualifications, paying personal attention to the students, increasing support of teachers, improving the connection with the parents and 'big brother' mentoring by someone whom the student trusts.