Keeping Youth in Our Schools
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 31/08/10
We all know how a high school education can be important in ensuring that we have a bright and promising future. Regardless of what we decide to do after high school, the time spent in school when we are teenagers is pivotal in keeping us on the right track. Sometimes our lives take a drastic turn, and certain circumstances may push us to drop out of school. Not only are we hurting our chances of developing a stable future for ourselves but we might also regret those milestone experiences we missed out on in high school. Here is some advice that may help if you are considering dropping out of school…
It’s all In the Numbers
As we know, there are no clear and straightforward reasons why youth drop out of school. It could be due to a variety of things unique to someone’s life and personal circumstances, such as problems with school, family, and work – or even for personal reasons. In a study done in 2001, 3% of 17-year-old Canadian students dropped out of school, representing over 9,000 youth. When asked why they dropped out of school, most stated that is was due to school-related reasons, such as being bored/not interested in school, having problems with school work and/or being kicked out of school, etc. (Statistics Canada).
Fortunately, youth drop-out rates within Canada are decreasing. Between 1990 and 1991 the dropout rate was at around 16.6%, and by 2006-2007 the dropout rate had decreased significantly to around 9.3% (Statistics Canada). This is a good sign!
To see a breakdown of school dropout rates (by region) in Canada as well as on the international scope, check this out. To also learn more about this, as well as characteristics of students who are at risk of dropping out, click here.
Ways You Can Seek Help…
Here are just a few ways you can help get yourself back on track if you’re having problems in school:
- Tutoring: Most high schools have tutoring services or after-school programs available for students who need extra help with their studies. If your school doesn’t offer this, there is a wide range of out-of-school tutoring organizations available (I went to a tutor in grade 9 for math, and not only did it help me improve my final grade, but the one-on-one atmosphere really allowed me fully understand what I was having difficulties with!).
Another great way to make schoolwork more fun (and one that doesn’t require you to spend money) can be to get together with peers in your class for a group study session. The smaller team environment may allow people to feel comfortable enough expressing themselves, sharing ideas and learning.
If you would like help improving your study skills, take a look at our factsheet!
- Counseling: Your school guidance counselors are there for a reason: to help students achieve success in whatever way possible. If you are having issues in school or at home and want to speak to someone privately, you can approach your school counselor. There are also counselors available in your communities, but some of them may require payment. For a free and confidential way to talk to someone, contact the Kids Help Phone. You can also go to their online forum and ask a question (anonymously) and a counselor will post a response.
Also, if you are having difficulties in school concentrating on your work, or are having problems with memory, writing, speech and/or organization, it could be due to a learning disability. Learning disabilities and dropping out of school have been shown to be linked together, and it is important to see your doctor if you feel you may have a problem. Many people have learning disabilities, and with the right help and support you can overcome this issue and be successful (Canada’s Literacy and Essential Skills Network).
- Substance Abuse Programs: If you’re having problems dealing with substance abuse and you wish to seek help in order to continue your education, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse website offers contact information for treatment services in your province or territory. Your school guidance counselor or doctor will also have helpful advice to help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you want. For substance abuse treatment facilities in your area that are suited specifically for First Nations and Inuit peoples, click here.
- Getting Involved: It can be amazing how getting involved in your school community can help make your school experience a little more enjoyable! Joining a sports team, a club, the student council, a school committee or anything alike, can help you explore areas of your school community that you otherwise may not have known you were interested in. It can be a great way to build friendships and be involved in something positive (not to mention it may look great on your resume!). Another cool idea is starting your own youth-led initiative, to spread the word about an issue you are passionate about. For ways to do so, check out our Project-Planning Guide on our website for a step-by-step tutorial. You can also read about positive youth initiatives from all around Canada!
These are just a few ways you can work at overcoming obstacles you may face, to ensure that you walk across that stage at graduation with that much-deserved diploma in your hands!
Links
Statistics Canada: “High school drop-out rate”
Statistics Canada: “Provincial Dropout Rates: Trends and Consequences”
Statistics Canada: “High School Dropouts Returning to School”
Statistics Canada: “Dropping out of High School: Definitions and Cost; October 2000″
Health Canada: “National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program”
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Composite Learning Index
Canadian Association of Independent Schools
Kids Help Phone
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada