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Clinton News-Record, 1987-04-22, Page 30School dropouts examined in Huron CLINTON - An interesting new report from the Huron County Board of Education ( HCBE) could provide the foundations for future recommendations regarding high school drop outs. HCBE trustee Joan Van Den Broeck call- ed the Secondary School Student Drop Out Survey "excellent statistical data". Bob Allan, the director of education, said that the survey would continue as an ongoing process, with further reports made back to the board trustees. The 35 page document has been long awaited by Huron board trustees. Data in the survey examines drop out trends in the five Huron County high schools. During 1985-86, some 170 students left school. This figure reflected 4.5 per cent of the September 1985 secondary school population. By individual schools the survey results showed: Central Huron Secondary School, Clinton - 44' drop outs for 5.5 per cent of the student population; Goderich District Collegiate Institute - 35 drop outs, 4:5 per cent; South Huron District High School, Ex- eter - 39 drop outs, 4.4 per cent; Seaforth District High School - 15 drop outs, 4.3 per cent; F.E. Madill Secondary School, Wingham - 39 drop outs, 4.4 per cent of the student population. The survey further indicates that of the 170 total number of drop outs, 99 were boys and 71 students were girls. Of the total, 47 of the drop outs were 17 years of age, 43 of the students were 18 years old, 38 students were 16 years old, 19 students were 19 years old, 12 of them were 15 and 11 of the students were 20 and over. The month of October proved to have the highest drop out rate. Eighty-eight of the drop outs had less than 14 credits when they quit school, 51 of the drop outs had between 14 and 25 credits, 23 of the students had more than 26 credits. The survey went on to document why these 170 students dropped out of school before graduation. The identified reasons included: employment, 75 students; no definite plans, 73 students; behavior, 12 students, private schools, 9 students; death, 1 student. A summary of the statistical included 11 observations. • Approximately one third of the drop out population was age 16 or lower. • While three-quarters of the respondents claim to be working, fully one half identify an intention to seek further schooling. • The level of satisfaction expressed with school courses offered dropped to less than 60 per cent from over 80 per cent in the tran- sition from elementary to secondary school. • Less than five per cent of the respondents identified problems with their academic work. • Over 40 per cent identified attendance at school as a probem. • A high degree of importance, was placed on life skill courses, work placements, and practical experience subjects as helping students remain in school. • Seventy per cent of early school-leaver`§ have other family members who left school early. • Fifty per cent of early school-leavers in- dicate involvement with a social agency. • Fifty per cent attended two or more elementary schools; 35 per cent attended three or more schools. • Thirty-three per cent attended two or more secondary schools. • Close to one half of the respondents iden- tify a special education background. The survey observations identified that student drop outs had feelings of failure, poor self concepts, health problems, family instability, substance abuse, problems with behavior and attendance, school conflict and lack of part-time work. It was further noted that one third of the respondents believe that "if I get a diploma, I still won't be able to get a job." When asked what changes in the school they would recommend the respondents suggested: more courses dealing with pro- blems of maintaining a family and home; a grade just for those who don't want to go to school with kids half their age; more com- munication between teacher and pupil; free meals (for those below the poverty line); more courses in Grade 13; on-the-job ex- periences; revised (contemporary) tex- tbooks; something we will be able to use in the future; alternate day scheduling; half- time work placements; skill or job-related training; courses related to agricultural oc- cupations; more "real -to -life learning; open access to classes; fresh, new ideas for the young from the young; more activities in physical education. Respondents were also asked to identify what changes they would like to see in the community to help students who leave school early. They noted: education pro- grams outside of the school system; more training programs; more counsellors to give you confidence to carry on; job search assistance; a home in the community for unwed mothers; more people who would ac- cept apprentices; financial aid for those who leave school because of poverty or family problems; opportunities based on personal qualities, not just qualifications; students should not be allowed to quit school until they are 18 years old. Approximately one-third of the respondents provided comments suggesting some form of alienation with the school system. Negative comments were directed against teachers, vice principals and prin- cipals. Elements of conflict appeared to ex- ist in many of these situations as a factor immediately preceding the decision to leave school. Further to the 1985-86 school year, survey, preliminary observations for the current school year seem to indicate that the drop out rate may be lower in 1986-87. From September to December of 1986, 71 students had left school 20 from Central Huron; 15 from GDCI; 12 from F.E. Madill; 17 from South Huron; and seven from Seaforth High School. Survey data will continue to be compiled. In conclusion, the current survey docu- ment makes several suggestions. It recom- mends that a profile of potential drop outs be established and that specific intervention strategies be employed to help reduce early school' Ie,r#C, both at the elementary and secondary school levels. Further recom- mendations are procedures to facilitate the reentry of drop out students, as well as the need to establish alternative programs or school settings Is a drop out prevention measure. Agriculture and food industry careers booklet available A new edition of Your Career in the Food System, first released late in 1985, is now available at locations throughout Ontario. The food system is Ontario's second largest business providing jobs for one of every five people in the province. The popular booklet features a look at the exciting career possibilities available to graduates of specialized diploma programs offered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Selected graduates share their experiences on the job and while at college. An updated list of all agriculture and food diploma programs and the colleges offering each program makes a handy reference for students and guidance counsellors. There's also a thumbnail sketch about each college, its programs and facilities. Residential diploma programs are available at the Colleges of Agricultural Technology at Centralia, Kemptville, New I,iskeard, Ridgetown, the University of Guelph and in the French language at Alfred. Home study courses leading to diplomas in agriculture and horticulture can be taken through Independent Study at the Universi- ty of Guelph. A copy of Your Career in the Food System is available from secondary school guidance offices, Colleges of Agriculture Technology, the University of Guelph diploma office, local Canada Employment Centres, and Canada Farm Labor Pool Offices, or write to: Agriculture and Food Education Pro- grams, Guelph Agriculture Centre, Box 1030, Guelph, Ontario, NIH 6N1. Crop insurance deadline coming May 1 Two reasons why crop insurance is a bet- ter deal in 1987. 1. After three years of un- changed premium rates, they are down this year - Corn, $1.75/bus. at farmer's premium of $3.35 per acre cost; $2.30/bus. at farmer's premium of $4.45 per acre cost; $2.60/bus. at farmer's premium of $5 per acre cost. Spring grain, 3t/ lb. at farmer's premium of $3.25 per acre cost- 4°e/1b at farmer's premium of $4.35 per acre cost. Hay seeding establishment, $40/acre at t farmer's premium of $2.80 per acre cost. Soybeans, $4.50/bus. at farmer's premium of 13.85 per acre cost; $5.50/bus. at farmer's premium of $4.75 per acre cost; $6.50/busat farmer's premium of $5.50 per acre cost Canola, 10»/lb. at farmer's premium of $6.50 per acre cost. 2 Guarantees have been raised in most in- stances !from 70 per cent to 75 per cent). In other words. coverage now starts at 75 per cent of the individual's average yield ( based on the agent's opinion of farmer's ability 1. It ^an be up to 80 per cent by the third year. Relief agencies receive donation of eggs Canadian egg producers and their customers continue to help those less for- tunate both abroad and here at home. The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency an- nounced recently the contribution of eggs and egg product to relief agencies in Canada and around the world. Canadians donated nationally the equivalent of 10 tonnes of powered egg pro- duct in shell forms through the Canadian Food Bank. Distribution of product has ef- fectively started with every province •eceiving a donation. Canadian egg producers will also donate 10 tonnes of powered eggs to Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity through Canadian Food for Children, a Toronto- based organization. The Missionaries of Charity have mis- sions in Africa, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and the Philippines. The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency is a non-government corporation charged under federal legislation. CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987—Page 5A Out of school, out of work, under 25, want to work connect to Free 1-800-387-0777 •FUc[1ttEs will help you put together the skills you need to get a job. •We'll pay you for up to 52 weeks of on-the-job training and work experience. If you commit to your future Ontario will commit to you. ® Ontario Minister. Hon Gregory Sorbara Premier, Hon David Peterson Ministry of Skills Development HAVE YOU GOT YOUR COPY? Some Reader Comments: ''Great Book - Send Me 10 More" "Couldn't Put It Down" "Our Teenagers Are Reading & Discussing It" "I Bought 20 For Business Associates" •.A collection of 175 Focus articles & Radio Programs by Bob Shrier /he response to "Let's Think For A Minute" has been beyond ex- pectations. The first printing was sold out and the second printing is now available. Reader comments about the book are encouraging others to get their copy. Readers who received one as a gift at Christmas are buying or order- ing books for friends, family and business associates. Get your copy today! Books Available at: '444.41 *ttnag's Lard 'Ijoppi The IN THE COUNTRY Bob Shrier Id (1Rlil1 SOUTH Of R1 YTH ON HWY