Punishment as a Primary Deterrent to Dropouts/NEETS?

Yesterday we noted the new prospective method of dealing with those who drop out in the UK, the so-called teenagers dubbed NEETS (Not in education, employment or training). As we examined the methodology we were surprised to see a purely punitive approach. Yet even more interesting was the similarity with America: the issue of students dropping out of is becoming an enormous one for society in other countries.

According to Graeme Paton, Education Editor, for the Telegraph, “Britain currently has one of the worst staying-on rates in the western world. More than one-in-six teenagers leave school at 16 every year and less than half go on to university.”

As we see taking place in America, there is a similar disappearance of low-skilled jobs in the UK, a fact that is creating an enormous issue for those who choose to leave school. Clearly, most of those who dropout are certain to find little in the way of meaningful work opportunities in the future.

Move in UK Likely to Backfire?
However, Paton notes the punishment oriented aspects of the new regulations and wonders aloud if they are destined to backfire. He further writes:

critics remain unconvinced that the compulsory nature of today’s announcement is in anyone’s best interests. Remember it is currently only the really hard-core who choose to vote with their feet and leave school at 16 anyway.

Would it not be preferable to make the additional two years’ a “free entitlement” for all, but allow young adults to return to the classroom when they are ready? Perhaps even for a night class in their late teens or early 20s.

To take a phrase out of their own vernacular, we would say that Mr. Paton is “spot on” with his assessment. At the same time, I would like to see us take one meaningful piece of the educational format from those across the pond and seek to implement it here.

One Meaningful Option for Us to Consider
Employment and training are indeed meaningful ways for kids to learn. It is time that we considered more programming that moves away from traditional book learning formats where the primary, and quite often, the sole method of learning is through reading and writing.

Hands on training and work opportunities outside of school could have a very positive impact on those students for which the traditional teaching format is simply not working. America need skilled craftsman and tradesman. We always will, yet we see a shortage in that area today.

At the same time, our school leadership seems to be pushing the thought on all kids that the only way to be successful in life is to aspire to a college education. American schools have actually pummeled students with that message by offering a curriculum that pushes the notion that every student must be college ready, otherwise they simply will not be well-educated.

Meanwhile, countless students are dropping out of the academic option. In fact, we believe that the push from NCLB and current theorists is likely to further the drop out trend in the years ahead.

We note with great irony that even with the employment and training option in the UK, they are dealing with the same issue, large drop out numbers. But at least they are providing two more meaningful options for the teenagers as well as a much more appropriate message.

Stay in school or train for meaningful employment.

We must say we like that message far better than the one currently being given our youngsters on this side of the pond.