School dropout: the situation in Quebec is improving

From November 4 to 6, more than 1,500 people took part in the 3^e edition of Major meetings on school perseverance, which were held in Montreal. During the congress, the director general of Montreal Success Network, Andrée Mayer-Périard, gave us an update on the situation.

From the outset, she mentions that the situation regarding dropping out of school is improving. “We must remain very vigilant, but, overall, fewer and fewer young people are dropping out. This is mainly due to the fact that, according to a large poll led by the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, 82 % of Quebecers say they are concerned about this issue. The more concerned people are, the more likely they are to take concrete action to solve the problem. "

Together against dropping out

On the other hand, Ms. Mayer-Périard underlines that the population is more and more aware that the success of a student requires the concerted efforts of several people. “I am thinking particularly of the child-parent-teacher triangle. We must intervene at each of these three levels and, according to the same survey, the population is overwhelmingly in favor of measures such as access for students to specialized services, the enhancement of the role of teachers and parents, and investment in the development of teachers and school staff. "

According to her, it is important that young people feel constantly supported in their academic journey. “During more difficult times, you have to talk to the young person and encourage them to continue their studies. You have to see with him and with the school what arrangements are possible so that studies come first in his life. This can also result in work-study balance measures. "

A global issue

One thing is certain, Ms. Mayer-Périard is of the opinion that there is reason to rejoice in front of such a mobilization around dropping out of school. “I am convinced that education remains an excellent means of preventing poverty and social problems. Investing in education means investing in a better future for young people and for society as a whole. "