Reducing Dropout Rates for Students with Learning Disabilities

Overview

• Discusses a public school in Boston that successfully reduces dropout rates for students with learning disabilities.
• Students with learning disabilities drop out at more than twice the rate of their peers.
• Report by Betty Ann Bowser for the American Graduate Project.

Henderson Inclusion Elementary School

• Located in Boston, celebrating African-American History Month.
• One-third of the student body has disabilities, educated in an inclusive setting.

Insights from Experts

Dr. Tom Hehir

• Professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education, expert in special education.
• Emphasizes that various learning disabilities (e.g., not walking or talking) should be seen as the norm.
• Statistics:
  • 20% of children with learning disabilities (L.D.) drop out of high school vs. 8% of general population.
  • Half of secondary students with L.D. perform more than three grade levels below their peers.
• Consequences of dropout:
  • Higher likelihood of unemployment, low wages, and community issues.

Importance of Early Intervention

• Emphasis on using technology for students with learning disabilities.

Dr. Bill Henderson

• Former principal who recognized benefits of technology over 20 years ago due to his own experience with dyslexia.
• Advocates for early intervention to prevent future academic failure.

Classroom Strategies

• Use of technology like text readers and word-prompting software to aid comprehension.
• Example of a second-grader's progress:
  • Handwriting struggles vs. improved written response using technology.
• Two teachers per classroom:
  • One general education teacher and one special education teacher collaborating on strategies.
• Inclusive classroom structure:
  • Example of a second-grade class with 23 students, including 7 with disabilities.

Student Case Study: Ronan Gorman

• Previously held back twice, showing improvement after joining Henderson.
• Uses technology to aid reading and comprehension.
• Positive feedback from parents on Ronan's emotional and academic progress.

Arts and Other Support

• Integration of arts programs beneficial for students with dyslexia.
• Resources available at the school:
  • Full-time music teacher, occupational therapists, sensory therapy specialists.
• Team of five professionals for a classroom of 23 students.

Funding and Educational Policy

• Federal law mandates appropriate public education for students with disabilities.
• Issues with misallocation of resources leading to segregation of students.
• Advocacy for inclusive settings over special education classrooms to optimize funding and effectiveness.

Outcomes and Future

• Many former students of Henderson are reportedly doing well post-graduation.
• Growing reputation of Henderson School as a national model for addressing learning disabilities.
• High demand for enrollment, with many on the waiting list, indicating success and community interest.