Disciplinary problems and school dropout

Abstract

The article describes the general situation in Israel regarding this problem and then goes in particular to the situation in the Arabic community in Israel. It attempts to ascertain the causal factors and thrives to recognize a possible solution or at least a direction for possible reduction of the phenomenon.

 The article lists the various factors affecting dropout and differentiates between factors external to the school, and therefore not in system's control, and factors derived from within the system which we have the task to address and do our outmost to remedy. As we cannot change the society and the surrounding environment, we have to concentrate on what we can do. As educators, we have to rethink in our educational approach, reexamine our school facilities and learning conditions, and introduce change in perception of school management and more particularly in school leadership.

 The writer expresses her views on the matter and offers recommendations to improve the dire situation. The writer sums up the possible effects of this phenomenon upon future society and the possible ramification of its spreading. She suggests certain measures that could be taken to harness and reduce dropout among school children in general and in the schools of the Arabic sector in Israel in particular.