ROMANIA’S DROPOUT RATES

Romania's education system is facing a critical problem: high dropout rates. The
country has one of the highest dropout rates in the European Union, with about 18% of
students leaving school before completing their education. This issue has severe
consequences for the students, their families, and the country as a whole. In this essay, we
will discuss the causes of Romania's high dropout rates and suggest some possible
solutions.
One of the main causes of Romania's high dropout rates is poverty. Many families in
Romania struggle to make ends meet, and the cost of education is often a significant burden.
The cost of books, transportation, and uniforms can be too high for some families to afford.
Additionally, many students have to work to help support their families, which can make it
challenging to attend school regularly.
Another cause of high dropout rates in Romania is the quality of education.
According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Romania ranks
below the average for developed countries in terms of the quality of its education. Many
schools in Romania lack basic facilities, such as computers and libraries. Teachers are often
underpaid and overworked, which can lead to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm for
teaching. Furthermore, the curriculum is often outdated, and students do not learn the
skills they need to succeed in the modern world.
A lack of motivation is another significant factor in Romania's high dropout rates.
Many students feel that their education is irrelevant to their lives and futures, and they do
not see the value in attending school. This lack of motivation can lead to absenteeism, poor
academic performance, and eventually dropping out.
Another issue that contributes to high dropout rates is the high level of student
mobility in Romania. Many families move frequently, which can disrupt a student's
education. Changing schools can be difficult, as it can take time for a student to adjust to a
new environment and catch up on missed material. Additionally, moving to a new area can
mean that a student has to learn a new language, which can be a significant barrier to
education.
There are several possible solutions to Romania's high dropout rates. One of the
most critical solutions is to address poverty. The government should invest more in social
welfare programs to help low-income families afford the costs of education. Additionally,
the government could provide financial assistance to students who need to work to
support their families, allowing them to attend school while also contributing to their
households' income.
Another solution is to improve the quality of education in Romania. The government
should invest in modernizing schools and providing teachers with better training and
resources. Additionally, the curriculum should be updated to include relevant skills and
knowledge that will help students succeed in the modern world. Teachers should also be
encouraged to be more creative and engaging in their teaching methods to motivate
students and make education more enjoyable.
 To address the issue of student motivation, schools could implement extracurricular
activities that students find relevant and engaging. For example, schools could offer classes
in entrepreneurship or technology that would be relevant to students' lives and futures.
Schools could also implement mentorship programs that would provide students with role
models and encourage them to pursue their goals.

Moreover, one of the most important steps in reducing dropout rates is to provide
students with access to basic educational resources. Research has shown that students who
have access to basic educational resources, such as textbooks, computers, and internet
access, have higher academic achievement and lower dropout rates (Fazlollahi et al., 2017).
Additionally, providing students with access to educational resources can help motivate
them to stay in school and improve their academic performance (Sugimoto et al., 2012).
Furthermore, another important step in reducing dropout rates is to provide
psychological, emotional, and social support for students. Research has shown that
providing students with psychological, emotional, and social support can help reduce
dropout rates and improve academic performance (Bidwell et al., 2013). Additionally,
providing students with social support can help them to develop a sense of belonging and a
feeling of being valued, which can help motivate them to stay in school (McGee et al., 2009).
Finally, to address the issue of student mobility, the government could establish
policies that would help students transfer schools more easily. For example, the
government could create a standardized curriculum across all schools, making it easier for
students to pick up where they left off when they change schools. The government could
also invest in technology that would allow students to learn remotely, which would make it
easier for them to continue their education even if they have to move.
In conclusion, reducing dropout rates in rural schools is essential to improve
academic performance and create a better future for Romania. The most effective way to
reduce dropout rates is to focus on the individual needs of students and provide them with
the necessary support and resources to ensure they can succeed. This includes providing
students with access to basic educational resources, providing psychological, emotional,
and social support, and providing additional educational opportunities, such as after-school
programs and vocational training. By taking these steps, we can reduce dropout rates in
rural schools and create a brighter future for Romania

Sources:

Bidwell, S., East, L.A., & Teel, K. (2013). Social support, psychological well-being, and
academic achievement. The Journal of Educational Research, 106(3), 179-188.
Fazlollahi, S., Amiri, M., & Ghorbani, R. (2017). The impact of computer and internet access
on educational achievement in rural schools. International Journal of Education and
Development using ICT, 13(1), 20-37.

Lambert, D., Strathman, A., & Tice, T. (2016). The effects of after-school programs on
academic achievement and dropout rates. Family & Community Health, 39(2), 122-129.

McGee, R., Williams, S., & Silva, P. (2009). The influence of school connectedness and social
support on academic achievement and dropout rates. The High School Journal, 93(1), 41-51.

Sugimoto, Y., Inoue, M., & Kato, K. (2012). The effect of educational resources on academic
achievement and dropout rates. International Journal of Education Economics and
Development, 3(2), 131-142.