REDUCING EARLY SCHOOL LEAVING (ESL) Early School Leaving refers to those young adults and adolescents who leave education and training before the end of compulsory schooling, before reaching a minimum qualification or before completing upper secondary education. Early school leaving is a serious issue which affects not only the individual but also society as a whole. There are numerous reasons as to why some students leave education prematurely such as: personal or family problems, learning difficulties and socio-economic issues. However, it is also important to consider the educational system and the school environment as factors which might result in early school leaving. Malta has one of the highest rates of early school leavers in the EU. This is why it is crucial to understand the phenomenon of early school leaving and consider how it can be identified, monitored, prevented and tackled when it does transpire. Main Objectives This course will be split into 4 main areas: 1) Identification and monitoring signs of early school leaving; 2) Preventing early school leaving 3) Interventions effective to tackle early school leaving 4) Compensation measures to address early school leaving. This training aims to: Understand the causes and effects of early school leaving and identify early warning signs of students that are at risk. Recognise the crucial role that both parents and the school have on students and build educators’ competence in supporting the learning and wellbeing of students at risk of early school leaving. Explore various preventative techniques and interventions necessary to reduce early school leaving Identification and Monitoring Signs of Early School Leaving Investigating consequences of early school leaving (both at a personal and societal level) Understanding and recognising reasons which may lead to early school leaving Risk factors for leaving school prematurely Understanding school disengagement Early warning signs Identifying the role and importance for parents and teachers to monitor education and early warning signs How can students be monitored to prevent early school leaving? Preventing Early School Leaving Understanding the need of different support systems for students Whole school approach Making school curriculum engaging and relevant for all student Understanding the need for student inclusion Strengthening teacher-student and family-student relationships Parents as co-educators Role of career guidance Importance of early identification of students with learning difficulties Interventions for Tackling Early School Leaving Early warning systems (Taking attendance, performance in school) Focus on the needs of the individual student (mentoring support and tailored teaching) Multi-disciplinary approach Bringing the parents and school together to work around the student Teacher empowerment and support System of community-based action and psychosocial support Transition programmes between schools Importance of out-of-school activities Compensation Measures to Address Early School Leaving Understanding the importance of compensation Indications of successful reintegration into the educational system Characteristics of second chance education Institutions providing second chance education Importance of recognising and validating prior learning and work experience