Research fellow: Silvia Palmieri
Role: R2 - Recognised Researcher
Project: (PRIN E4PED) “Strategie per la prevenzione dell'abbandono scolastico: sintesi di evidenze e interventi nelle scuole”
Scientific manager: Prof. Marta Pellegrini
Area: 11 - Scienze storiche, filosofiche, pedagogiche e psicologiche - SSD: M-PED/04
Check end date: 14/10/2025.

School dropout is a crucial educational challenge, both at the European and national levels. The PRIN E4PED project tackles this issue through an evidence-based approach, with the goal of developing effective strategies to prevent early school leaving, particularly in Southern Italy.

The research is structured in three stages. First, a systematic review with a meta-analysis of international studies on dropout prevention programs helps in building a solid theoretical framework. Second, an in-depth analysis of school dropout in Italy, with a specific focus on the southern regions, provides a clearer understanding of the phenomenon. Lastly, a prevention program for lower secondary schools is being designed and evaluated through a Design-Based Research approach, ensuring that the interventions are both practical and effective.

The project aims to go beyond the limitations of previous national initiatives by offering concrete tools for monitoring and preventing school dropout. On an academic level, it will contribute valuable scientific evidence, while on a practical level, it will provide schools and policymakers with guidelines and operational tools to support decision-making and enhance prevention practices.