Developing Early Warning Systems to Identify Potential High School Dropouts [Early Warning System Guide]

This guide, intended for educators and policymakers at the school, district, and state levels, is designed to provide information about the following: 1) Factors that contribute to a student's dropping out; 2) Research on early warning indicators; 3) School-level early warning systems; 4) District-level early warning systems; and, 5) States' roles in supporting the development and use of early warning systems. The information that follows and an accompanying tool developed by the National High School Center can help schools and districts to systematically collect early warning indicator data so they can identify students at highest risk of dropout. An early warning system can be implemented at the school as well as at district levels.