Re-examining participatory research in dropout prevention planning in urban communities

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of what a community-based participatory dropout prevention planning process might entail. Specifically, it looks at a year-long research project that brought together formerly incarcerated school non-completers, researchers, and local policy-makers (stakeholders) to address low high-school completion rates in the community. Using our own project as a case study, we reflect on the challenges and promises that emerged when the knowledge of adults in urban communities, who themselves often did not complete school, become central to dropout prevention idea generation, strategy development, and decision-making processes. We re-examine the ‘participatory’ process using participatory action research principles as an analytical lens focusing on three central concepts: control, collaboration, and commitment.