ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author reviews the past use of the term at risk, summarize the research about factors that place students at risk, and present their ideas about how to define and use the term when discussing strategies for dropout prevention. The term at-risk student is much more controversial; many educators hesitate to attach a negative label to students already facing so many challenges. The assessment rubric describes several levels of student risk and clearly identifies students in need of assistance. Policy makers, business leaders, and school and community leaders dealing with all kinds of students in at-risk situations hear the message. Educators, social workers, and other professionals who interact with children and families remain very guarded in their use of the term at-risk student. Policy makers, business leaders, and school and community leaders dealing with all kinds of students in at-risk situations hear the message.
