Improving+Student+Engagement+and+Retention

“//While the outcome is retention, the goal must be student engagement. Engagement occurs through relevant, contextualized and student –focussed learning, within a curriculum that is flexible, broad in choice, accessible and able to facilitate diverse pathways.”// Excerpt from preamble of Raising the School Age by Trevor Fletcher, July 2009. __ Areas to address: __ Improved retention rates can be achieved by: · Raising student aspirations · Raising teacher expectations · Improving achievement – underachieving students are less likely to be engaged and have higher non-completion rates. · Providing suitable and flexible curriculum structures · Making efficient use of resources eg. Careers advisors and school-to-work coordinators. · Providing opportunities for students to undertake paid work while completing their education. __ Programs schools may have in place: __ · Strategies that focus on student achievement – support structures in literacy and numeracy for underachieving students. (all levels of schooling – targeting all years and lower secondary school). · Transition programs for year 6 to 7. · Transition programs for year 10 to 11. · Study skills, time management and other training to support transition to senior studies. · Alternative pathways for senior school combining traditional HSC subjects, Vet and non-academic. · School to work programs. · Planning My Future program

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