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Students at risk
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The notion of students at risk is becoming increasingly important as a
predictor of student stress on campus and needs further exploration.
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The simplified argument is that drop outs are a results of stress; i.e. it is when a student
reaches a certain level of stress beyond which they can no longer cope, that they quit.
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Although this is a simplified argument; it holds a practically usable principle that it is
possible to track the levels of coping and predict drop-outs before they happen.
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What are some of the factors that contribute to students approaching levels of stress
beyond which they drop out; what causes students to be at high drop out risk?
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Some of the factors that put students at risk as identified by Hammond et al include
demographics, early adult responsibilities, attitudes, values, behaviors, low academic
preparedness, and academic, behavioral, psychological and social disengagement.
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Hammond et al also identify attributes of the institution that contribute to students at-
risk, such as resources, support, environment, academic policies and practices, location
and type of institution, supervision and discipline.
Hammond. C.; Linton, L.; Smink, J.; Drew, S.; 2007. Drop-out risk factors and Exemplary Programs; A Technical Report, National
Drop-out Prevention Center and Network, Communities in Schools Incorporated.