Identifying at-risk students

UNICEF's Struggling Student Indicators

In UNICEF's series on Education Participation and Dropout Prevention, it is stated that an early warning system does more than prevent dropout: it is also a system for identifying students in difficult circumstances who need support, regardless of whether they will drop out (Unicef, 2016).UNICEF lists three indicators that are especially important when identifying at-risk students. They are as follows:

- Academic achievement is below standard
- Behaviour problems
- Chronic absenteeism

Warning signs for victims of bullying

- Declining grades
- Loss of interest in schoolwork
- Not wanting to go to school

Warning Signs of mental illness in adolescents

- Changes in academic performance
- Avoiding or missing school
- Behaviour changes
- Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions