Another Chapter

I've finished the second edit of Chapter 2 - Review of Literature and contacted the Department of Education (DoE) to find out statistics for reasons students drop out from school. In the course of investigating references to bullying and drop out rates, it was mentioned that 28% of students in an Indiana study dropped out due to bullying and another large group cited "Not happy at school" which is the reason most students who are bullied state when they skip classes. Drop out rates have opened my eyes to another link between bullying and its impact on future leadership not just in Australia but on a global level.

I am also worried over the impact on minorities bullying has. The highest drop out rate is amongst males with African American and Hispanic males having the highest percentages followed by females of the same ethnic groups. White males and Asian males have the highest graduation rates. There appears to be a correlation between retention rates and curriculum considerations. The reasons for engagement in learning cited university bound, wanted content for future careers (Vocational Educatioin). It appears students in general education and not in college prep have a higher drop out rate based on the studies I've read.

This issue isn't just in the USA but appears to be in UK and Australia as well.

After I spoke with the DoE representative, she asked if we could meet to discuss my research. I put together some information for her and we meet tomorrow 26Mar07. I advised my thesis advisors of the meeting last week after I scheduled it. I'll be preparing a few articles for publication for after I submit my thesis at the end of April. I'll post an update then.

Another Year

It's a great start for another year.
Birthday - Number 57
Have a new laptop bag and purse from the kids.
Hubby brought me coffee and I'll be going for a
new haircut and tires this afternoon.

I am making headway with the bedroom - it now
looks like an after shot for How Dirty is your house.
I'll be targeting the laundry room and lounge today
during breaks from Chapter revisions.

Progress at Last

I had a successful meeting with my advisors today. Progress report was signed and submitted and I hope to be finished with the thesis before the end of May. Came across some interesting statistics regarding bullying and drop out rates. The more I research the more pervasive bullying is and its cost to society.

I am so techno challenged. It took me a half hour to figure out how to do a post.