Tackling Drop Outs Through Systematic Students screening

The main objective of the TeSTED project was to proactively reduce early school leaving rates in the VET sector. We pursued this through a multi-faceted strategy focused on innovation, capacity bu...

The main objective of the TeSTED project was to proactively reduce early school leaving rates in the VET sector. We pursued this through a multi-faceted strategy focused on innovation, capacity building, and awareness. We aimed to create a powerful mechanism for the early detection and prevention of dropouts, especially those caused by socio-economic difficulties. This involved developing and implementing digital assessment tools and a comprehensive intervention system. This system was designed to help VET providers understand each student’s unique profile and offer personalized support, ensuring their successful graduation. Another key objective was to increase the capacity of VET staff through a specialized training package. This training improved their ability to address the socio-economic and psychological challenges contributing to dropouts, turning VET providers into a crucial safety net for at-risk learners. Finally, we raised awareness about the social and labor market implications of VET dropout, demonstrating that strategic interventions can effectively mitigate this problem. By highlighting the long-term benefits of retaining students, we sought to foster a broader commitment to preventing early school leaving.

The TESTED project addressed VET dropouts due to socio-economic difficulties through five key WPs. *Project Management (WP1) involved coordinating all activities, including 5 transnational meetings and continuous quality assurance with regular reporting to the National Agency. *Assessment Tools (WP2) focused on developing an early detection system, beginning with a Baseline Study to identify risk factors. This led to the Design and Development of the TeSTED digital Assessment Tools (socioeconomic and psychometric), complemented by a user Handbook. *The VET Upskilling Package (WP3) included developing a Curriculum Outline (validated via a workshop) and the Development and Translation of 8 Training Modules. Activities concluded with LMS configuration and Internal testing and refinement. *The final major component was the Intervention Mechanism (WP4), involving a Functional Analysis and defining roles and responsibilities for an operational office. A Cases handling mechanism was created and tested during an eight-month Pilot operation. *The project concluded with Capitalization and Exploitation (WP5), featuring four Multiplier Events in partner countries(BG, RO, GR and Belgium) to maximize stakeholder outreach.

Key results: 1. We developed two evidence-based assessment tools (a psychometric and a socio-economic questionnaire) for the early detection of at-risk students. These tools, validated by a Baseline Study and Blueprint Report involving extensive research, interviews, questionnaires, and feedback from VET students and teachers, are accompanied by a Handbook explaining their proper use. 2. We prepared a full Online Training Program (upskilling package) for VET staff and trainers, delivered via a dedicated Moodle LMS. This program is useful for strengthening teachers' competencies needed to proactively address and mitigate the risk of dropout. 3. We established a complete Intervention Mechanism aimed at managing the identified risk of dropping out. This mechanism, envisioned as an In-Campus Office, integrates the results of prior work packages and forms the third pillar of the TeSTED response. It includes comprehensive Toolkits for both teachers and students, translated into four languages (BG, DE, GR, and RO), for early identification and targeted intervention. Furthermore, we engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders in each partner country. These crucial activities served to raising awareness about the VET dropout.