Drop+Out+Prevention+-+web+site+review

__Website Review__ By Heather Rogers EDU 713-A 9-14-11

__Description Overview__ The website [|http://dropoutprevention.org] is based on the mission of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, which “ is to increase high school graduation rates through research and evidence-based solutions.” (dropoutprevention.org) The site contains enormous amounts of research for students, practitioners, parents, community partners, and others who are interested in increasing high school graduation rates. Their information comes mostly from research being done by Clemson University. The Center/Network was established in 1986 as a place where issues related to dropout prevention could be aired out, so to speak. It has become a nationally recognized resource which is, “sharing solutions for student success. It does so through its clearinghouse function, active research projects, publications, and through a variety of professional development activities. In addition, the NDPC/N conducts a variety of third party evaluations and Program Assessment and Reviews (PAR).” (dropoutprevention.org) There is a comprehensive site map that overviews the multitude of resources found on the site, some of which are: information about their radio webcast, membership information, effective strategies regarding dropout prevention, model programs, resource library, research reports, grant resources and more. __Authority__ This website’s authority is Clemson University. That is made very clear to the viewer on every page of the site. There is a comprehensive section called “About Us” on the site that informs viewers of the founder of the site’s qualifications and knowledge. Although, just the fact that it was developed and is maintained by the University speaks for itself. There is a link called “Contact Us” with current contact information. __Purpose__ The purpose of the site is made very clear on the homepage in the form of a Mission Statement. The site is well organized and all the information and links found therein relate directly back to the Mission Statement and purpose. The information is geared to an audience which would directly benefit from the research being done on dropout prevention. __Coverage__ The site is extremely comprehensive in its coverage of this topic. It began as a “clearinghouse” for discussion about dropout prevention and has developed over the years into an amazingly large, nationally recognized resource for all parties involved in helping increase high school graduation rates. The information is presented in a non-biased way, often in the form of research reports on studies being done at Clemson University. The site does not sell anything except membership to the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. __Currency__ The history of this organization is written with a timeline of major additions or times of growth on the “About Us” link on the home page. Due to the fact that most of the information is from current research and/or programs, the information on the site is extremely current and is updated regularly. In fact, it is safe to say that this is the cutting edge place to go when looking for information on Dropout Prevention. __Objectivity__ This site is objective. The research is done by credible and reliable sources. The bias on the site is clearly just that these people are passionate about the successful graduation of young people in America. However, all information is unbiased in nature and presented with validity and resources are shared. In addition, there are a variety of third party evaluations and Program Assessments and Reviews (PAR). (dropoutprevention.org) __Accuracy__ The accuracy of the site is impeccable. All of the information shared is done so by professionals associated with this field of research and is clearly shared by a known institution. References are given for all factual information. Research reports are archived and readily searched and located. The information on this site is easily compared to other sites regarding this topic and surpasses them in content, resources, and sheer volume.

__Recommendation__ I highly recommend this site based on the information found above. In addition to all of that, if one is looking for information regarding collaboration, this site has seemingly endless programs, current research and ideas for collaboration amongst many different individuals involved with student success. There is content regarding collaboration, as well as many other topics, for State Education Agencies, Local Education Agencies, Practitioners, parents and students and community partners. The amount of information is overwhelming; however, the site is so well organized that one would only feel overwhelmed if trying to read everything offered. To navigate the site in search of specific information is easy and pleasurable. The comprehensive nature coupled with the professional presentation of all the information makes this site an invaluable one for any individual or organization involved with student success.