At-Risk Kids

What You Need To Know

Students at risk come from all socioeconomic levels, but indicators cluster around certain characteristics. For example, children in urban areas are more likely to drop out than suburban kids. Likewise, kids from homes where English is the second language are more likely to drop out than native English speakers. And yet, dropouts also come from two-parent, middle-income home and are actively involved in activities.

How You Can Help

Be aware of the common characteristics in case your child falls into a cluster, and if you fear that he/she may already be at risk, contact the school counselor or other professional.

• Age. Studies show that kids who are older than their classmates are more prone than those peer to drop out, perhaps because as they age, they resent being in class with younger kids.
• Academics. Children at risk suffer from academic problems as early as the third grade and never overcome these obstacles. Often they have failing grades and low test scores.
• Peers. Kids who drop out hang around with at-risk kids, creating a group mentality that school is worthless.
• Attachment. At-risk kids often don’t participate in school activities like sports and clubs. They are generally disengaged with school and don’t feel any connection to their classes, their peers, or adults on campus.

For more information, please view full article:

www.education.com/reference/article/characteristics-students-risk/