DRUG ABUSE HIGHER FOR EARLY SCHOOL LEAVERS
A report issued by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, in October 2010, entitled Risk and Portection Factors for Substance Use among Young People found that substance abuse among early school leavers is significantly higher than those remaining in education. The research also found that a positive school experience, including good relationships with teachers, can also protect against the risk of drug abuse. Again research is showing that a positive outcome for early school leavers is far lower than for those who remain in school.
SCHOOL LEAVERS' SURVEY REPORT 2007
The last School Leavers Survey published in 2009 highlights the importance of educational attainment in providing long-term opportunities and protecting young people from vulnerable sectors of the economy.
The School Leavers' Survey Report 2007, published by the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Department of Education and Science, presents the findings from the 2007 School Leavers' Survey of young people who left the second-level education system in the academic year 2004-2005. The key findings are:
- The survey highlights the labour market vulnerability of school leavers with low levels of education. Despite the favourable economic conditions for young people at the time of the survey, those who leave school without any qualifications experience much higher levels of unemployment.
- The apprenticeship route is particularly important for male school leavers at all levels of education, especially those who leave school with a Junior Certificate qualification and the reliance of school leavers on certain sectors of the labour market merits immediate policy attention given the current economic conditions.
- The report highlights a number of positive educational developments in the school completion patterns of school leavers over time. The numbers completing school have reached a new high, and there is evidence that early school leavers are accessing alternative education/training opportunities outside the official second-level system (Youthreach and FETAC courses). However, distinct gender and socio-economic differences persist in early school leaving. Students with lower levels of education are also more likely to express more negative views about the support they got from their teachers.
Dr Delma Byrne (ESRI), co-author of the report, said "Young adults continue to be the group with the highest risk of unemployment and their unemployment rate has increased further since the time of the survey (Q4 2008). Adequate preparation, in terms of educational and vocational qualifications, will be more important than ever in ensuring that they are equipped to take advantage of a shrinking pool of job opportunities".
Working with Early School LeaversThere are many local studies carried out concerning the outcomes of early early school leavers. This report, entitled Working with Early School Leavers, was carried out by Maria Lally of Foroige - Blanchardstown Youth Services
School Matters
The report, School Matters, the report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools (2006), looks at the changing social context in which schools operate; institutional developments; the issue of disruptive behaviour and how it impacts upon teaching and learning; school ethos and culture; the school community; school initiatives; continuum of provision both on-site and off-site; and recommendations. The Report of the Task Force contains a comprehensive set of recommendations which if fully implemented would improve the well-being of teachers and pupils in the education service.
