School-Connect’s overarching goal is to reduce the risk factors and bolster the protective factors that lead to academic failure and dropping out. School-Connect lessons and class environment are designed to alleviate most of the leading factors associated with drop out (Bridgeland, 2006; Hayasaki, 2006):

• Truancy (skipping multiple classes)
• Repeating a grade
• Having friends who are disinterested in school
• Thinking school is boring
• Doing less than an hour of homework a night
• Feeling unprepared for high school after elementary and middle school
• Transferring schools
• Having less parent involvement
• Responding to personal and economic situations (e.g., pregnancy, full-time employment, family responsibilities)

For students who harbor negative associations with school and learning, School-Connect creates a classroom environment in which they can feel successful, known, and valued. School-Connect exercises and writing assignments do not require an advanced reading level or significant background knowledge, so students can dive in and share their opinions and experiences without feeling inhibited by their academic skill level. 

Bridgeland, J.M., Dilulio, J.J., & Morison, K.B. (2006). The silent epidemic: Perspectives of high school dropouts. A report by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Hayasaki, E. (February 3, 2006). The vanishing class. Los Angeles, CA: L.A. Times.