National Dropout Prevention Center

10/13/2026

The brain that does the work grows the dendrites—which is why traditional hand-raising doesn't cut it when 5% of students do all the answering while everyone else checks out. Swap out the raised hands for structured partner talk, and you instantly get dozens of brains actively engaged and thinking at the same time.

10/13/2026

Tuesday morning breakouts are officially underway at the 36th Annual National Dropout Prevention Conference! Attendees are digging into real-world practices—from reframing attendance interactions and building rural family engagement to schoolwide garden initiatives and Universal Design for Learning. So much practical insight being shared across every session.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

Starting Tuesday morning at the 36th Annual National Dropout Prevention Conference with Dr. Linda Jordan.

Hope isn't just wishful thinking—it physically changes how the brain learns, persists, and builds resilience. A powerful reminder that practical, brain-based strategies begin with one clear message to our students: your future matters.

10/12/2026

Midday breakouts at the National Dropout Prevention Conference brought serious proof that engagement beats compliance every single time. Presenters walked through classroom rap battles that replaced test prep, career pathways built around student identity, and systematic shifts that cut over 150 days of out-of-school suspensions. It is all about giving kids ownership, purpose, and adult systems designed for them to thrive.

10/12/2026

Afternoon breakouts at the National Dropout Prevention Conference were packed with real, practical takeaways. From diagnosing student needs with the Four Lenses to re-engaging families and making the case for critical programs, huge thanks to everyone sharing what works.

10/12/2026

A packed morning of breakouts at the National Dropout Prevention Conference diving into everything from brain architecture and trauma-skilled practices to leveling up student attendance with XP. Big thanks to all of our speakers for sharing concrete blueprints to support the whole child both inside and outside the classroom. Incredible energy in every room today!

10/12/2026

Kicking off Monday morning at the 36th Annual National Dropout Prevention Conference with Dr. Robert Peters.

No abstract theory here—just a clear, research-backed blueprint for graduation improvement that schools can actually put into practice right away. Huge energy in the room and an inspiring way to start the day.

10/12/2026

Kicking off the opening keynote at the 36th Annual National Dropout Prevention Conference with Chase Moore, Director of School & Community Partnerships for Compton Unified School District. His story and perspective on mitigating disadvantage and getting real resources into students' hands set an incredible tone for the work ahead this week. Grateful to hear such an inspiring, grounded message to launch the conference.

10/10/2026

Only one day left until officially gets underway! Safe travels to everyone heading into Orlando today—we’re so excited to see you all tomorrow and kick off an incredible week together.