Individual cognitive factors, especially low-achievement patterns, increase the risk for ESL, but non-cognitive factors (e.g. personality traits, problem behaviour) also play a role. At the level of the family and social background, the most prominent risk factor is low socio-economic status. However, it is noted that ESLers comprise a heterogeneous group.
Rogers, L.
Bibliography
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Interplay of factors contributing to ESL at the levels of the individual, the family and social background
Keywords : early school leaving -
Interplay of factors that contribute to ESL at school level
Although ESL is impacted by the composition of a school (e.g. mean SES) and its structure (e.g. size), school practices, especially the way curriculum is delivered in practice as well as caring, supportive and respectful teachers (and other school staff) who believe in students’ ability to succeed, seem particularly important for ensuring (potential) ESLers remain in school.
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Interplay of factors that contribute to ESL at the system level
Aspects of the education system that concern the risk of ESL include the socio-economic segregation of schools, early tracking and grade retention. In that regard, protective aspects are high quality and accessible ECEC and VET. Well-managed transitions between educational levels that reflect a student’s changing needs in order to ensure the provision of a developmentally appropriate and engaging context are called for.
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Learning difficulties and ESL
Students with learning difficulties are at a greater risk for ESL than their peers since they are disproportionately more likely to experience other risk factors for ESL at the individual, family, school, community and/or system levels. Multiple and individualised approaches should be used by the system and educators to reduce the influence of these factors.
Keywords : early school leaving -
Educators’ self-reflection
Self-reflection of educators is a key factor of their professional development. It can also influence educators’ perspectives, notions and practice regarding the education of students at risk of early school leaving (ESL). Therefore, self-reflection should be implemented as an important element of ESL prevention but with a consideration of its possible downsides.