PDK/Gallup Poll Underscores Value of Integrated Student Services

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Aug 25, 2010, 01:37 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A national poll released today provided dramatic evidence of the crucial role that integrated student services play in education overall, and particularly in turning around failing schools.

In the survey of student attitudes, the Gallup Student Poll identified a significant absence of hope among almost a third of young people, with 31% described as "stuck" and 16% described as "discouraged." When asked to describe their level of engagement with school, 23% are not engaged, going through the motions at school and 14% are actively disengaged, likely undermining the teaching and learning process in others.

"These are significant findings about the lack of hope and engagement among young people, particularly in the most challenged schools and communities, where high school dropout rates are roughly equivalent to the rate of hopelessness identified through this survey," said Daniel Cardinali, President of Communities In Schools. "Through careful monitoring, we can and we must identify kids-at-risk, and then intervene with integrated student services to change the trajectory of these young peoples' lives."

Regarding underperforming schools, the survey reveals strong support for the public school system, with survey respondents rejecting wholesale firings of teachers and principals, and rejecting conversion of failing public schools to charter schools. Instead, the public endorses comprehensive external supports such as the Communities In Schools model of integrated student services.

"The public has clearly recognized the need for immediate action and greater community engagement through comprehensive and proven approaches like integrated student services," said Cardinali.

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources, tailored to local needs. Working in more than 3,200 schools, in the most challenged communities, in 26 states, and the District of Columbia, Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.4 million young people and their families every year. It has become the nation's leading dropout prevention organization, and the only one proven to increase graduation rates.

Visit our website at www.communitiesinschools.org.

SOURCE Communities In Schools