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The WWC practice guide on Dropout Prevention recommends assigning adult advocates to students at risk of dropping out. A meaningful and sustained personal relationship with a trained adult can support students by addressing academic and social needs, communicating with the families, and advocating for the student.

The guide describes three important steps to creating and supporting meaningful relationships between students at risk of dropping out and their adult advocates:

• Choose adults who are committed to investing in the student’s personal and academic success, keep caseloads low, and purposefully match students with adult advocates.
• Establish a regular time in the school day or week for students to meet with the adult.
• Communicate with adult advocates about the various obstacles students may encounter—and provide adult advocates with guidance and training about how to work with students, parents, or school staff to address the problems.

View recommendation 2 for more information on assigning adult advocates, or the full Dropout Prevention practice guide to read all six recommendations to reduce dropout rates.