SC Dropout Prevention Program Begins

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Department of Education has announced a new pilot program to reduce dropout rates through earlier intervention.

The department said Monday that 12 elementary and middle schools are taking part in the program called Early Connections.

Agency spokesman Pete Pillow says most dropout prevention programs are geared toward high schools. Experts think some students can mentally and emotionally drop out of school as early as first and second grade.

Officials say the two-year program will strengthen the collaboration of dropout prevention activities between high school and elementary and middle schools. It also will provide some training and technical assistance to analyze school data and at-risk students.