Total Staff Development: Do Not Begin Dropout Prevention without It

Abstract

There is no doubt that the student-at-risk problem is a national, state, and local problem; however the success of any at-risk program lies with the entire school staff that comes in contact with the at-risk youth. As school philosophies have changed to meet the needs of these youth, so must the staff development programs. Educators can no longer depend on the colleges and universities to provide the “expertise” that will be required to meet the unique needs of this specialized population or to update those educators who received their degrees or training years before the current emphasis on dropout prevention. Current staff development programs must have support “at the top” that filters down to everyone who comes in contact with the at-risk student. Staff development programs must (1) address the need for individualized, personally-delivered solutions and assistance to at-risk youth, (2) provide solutions that educators believe in because of personal input, (3) reflect the major change in the mission/philosophy of American education, (4) promote the at-risk student's self-acceptance, and (5) effectively communicate to educators the priorities placed on dropout prevention.