Dropout Prevention

The dropout rate in Florida schools last year was four-point-eight percent. But in Pinellas County, school officials are excited by the fact their dropout rate was much lower.. at three-percent.

In Assignment: Education.. Bill Ratliff takes a look at a special dropout prevention program in Pinellas County that starts in the fourth grade.

--((Student reading from book says:)) ".. Reptiles are different from amphibians in the way they produce their young. Popcorn."--

This is a reading excercise and game, in a special class at Sandy Lane Elementary. It's made up of fourth and fifth graders, who have been identified as kids with the potential for dropping out.

--((Teacher Pam Postoll says:)) "That was good Codie. Kyle, did you popcorn somebody? Joey.--

Teacher Pam Postoll says this exercise takes the threat out of reading and is designed to be fun.. but then everything is this class is. It's the core of the Pinellas dropout prevention program call "Stars".. which stands for Students Targeted for Academic Recognition and Success.

--((Postoll says:)) "Everything we do.. is.. uh.. a game.. hands-on activities. I get them up and moving to get them involved."--

One of the creators of "Stars" is the Administrator of Dropout Prevention Services in Pinellas County.. Dee Burns. She says these children just need to be taught in a different way because...

--((Dropout Prevention Administrator Dee Burns says:)) ".. they don't want to come to school because they don't see themselves as someone who can read or someone who can do math or someone who can do things."--

--(( Postoll (leading students throught a spelling game) says:)) "Heather.. Witness."--

Teacher Pam Postall says the "Stars" approach to teaching is based on an inherent belief in a child's ability.

--(( Postoll says:)) "..Every child can learn. They might need the material in a different way, but every child has the ability to learn."--

If you listen to these students, it's an approach they like.

--((Student Bridget Royal says:)) "Well, it's not like a big whole class. It's just like a small class and you can popcorn read. And like you do a lot of fun things."--

--((Student Mandy Bellingar says:)) "That instead of like other classes around the school, it probably be easier, but not really easier, but she makes it more funner to learn."--

In other words, for these students funner is better. 80-percent of the students who have been placed Pinellas County's dropout prevention program have stayed in school and graduated. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8.

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