Dropouts, Tune In

Two new reports from Jobs for the Future plus a cool interactive web feature are all worth your time.   One looks at six elements of dropout prevention (pdf).  Includes a lot of great stuff, but I would have liked to see more on state early-warning system that actually start really early.  States are still missing big opportunities to put all their data (and not just education data) to high-leverage use, and not just at the high school level.  Also, as new accountability rules for dropouts start to come online in some states, keep an eye out for backsliding.

Second report is about making alternative education a better alternative (pdf).   This is an enormous issue and a place where some amazing leaders like David Domenici, Cami Anderson, and others are breaking their picks today.   Interesting and important sector that largely flies below the radar.