Middle Grades Reading Plays

an Important Role in Dropout Prevention       

 Jack Humphrey

      Consider this alarming statistic: Approximately one out of four Indiana middle grades students does not complete high school in four years.  While there are many contributing factors to the dropout problem, one stands out starkly.

      Over and over again, we have seen that most students who drop out of school are struggling readers. In fact, many have a history of poor test scores, behavioral problems, and retentions. They struggle in class after class with materials that frustrate and overwhelm them. It has been proven that the inability to read well leads to a lack of self-confidence and helplessness.

      There is no question that elementary school teachers do their best to ensure that all students become proficient readers. The reality, however, is that many students reach the middle grades unable to read well. It is, therefore, essential that middle schools must continue to do everything possible to remedy a serious situation.

      In Indiana’s 470 middle and junior high schools, there must first be a determination of the extent of the potential dropout problem by using longitudinal, student-level data.

      The next step is to ensure that highly skilled middle grades reading teachers provide the all-important teaching of reading skills with relevant and appropriate materials. Once the struggling readers are provided with the tools to rise above their dilemma, there is a good chance we will see a significant decrease in the drop out rate.