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"FRESH VOICES" VIDEOS

Fresh Voices:
California Ninth Graders Speak Out About Dropping Out

Companion Piece to CDRP Research Report #8: Giving A Student Voice To California's Dropout Crisis

Filmed and Edited by Oscar Medina
Sound Editor: José Zavaleta
Interviewers: Laurie Mireles and Juan Ochoa

Clips by Student | Clips by Theme Adobe Flash Player is required to view these videos.

By Student

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Abel, 15
9th Grade
Northern California

Students Discuss their Challenges with School

About 30% of students in California will never graduate from high school. While many explanations have been put forth by researchers and policy makers, few have given voice to the students themselves. During the 2006-2007 school year, 133 9th grade students from low-income schools across the state participated in the Fresh Voices Project. Students varied in their risk for dropout-about 40% of participants were at higher risk because of failing a course or frequent absences their first semester of high school. All participants completed a survey and took part in focus groups, discussing factors that might be related to high school dropout. Here are six of their stories.


Andrew, 15
9th Grade
Southern California

Estefania, 15
9th Grade
Central California

Eric, 15
9th Grade
Southern California

Ciarra, 15
9th Grade
Northern California

Silvia, 14
9th Grade
Northern California

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Family Situations and Responsibilities

Students Discuss their Families, Communities, Teachers, and Future Jobs


Here are some of the participating students' thoughts about: family responsibilities, safety and violence in the community, their relationships with teachers, and their aspirations and future job prospects.


Relationships with Teachers

Safety and Violence in the Community

Aspirations and Future Job Prospects