WASHINGTON— States can use expanded learning opportunities (ELOs), such as afterschool, summer learning, extended day and extended year programs, to reduce student dropout rates, according to a new issue brief released today by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center). 

Reducing Dropout Rates through Expanded Learning Opportunities recommends that states identify likely dropouts early and provide targeted intervention through ELOs; increase access to and the availability of ELOs for students at risk of dropping out; and establish statewide systems to ensure ELOs are effective and are tied to dropout reduction goals.

“Governors across the country are actively working to implement policies and practices to deal with the alarming rate at which students are dropping out of school,” said NGA Center Director John Thomasian. “This is a particularly important task during difficult economic times. The steps outlined in this issue brief supplement other strategic state efforts to curb student dropout by using extending learning opportunities to support academic rigor, boost student engagement and provide students with supportive relationships that can lead to high graduation rates.”

The NGA Center also recently issued Achieving Graduation for All: A Governor’s Guide to Dropout Prevention and Recovery, which provides a comprehensive action plan for states to curb dropout, help youth succeed and strengthen state economies.

For more information about NGA Center education initiatives, visit www.nga.org/center/edu.

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.’s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.