While North Dakota boasts a very high graduation rate... Dropouts continue to affect many communities across the state.

This is the annual dropout summit... where educators and community agencies gather to discuss the problem facing many schools, and try and come up with solutions.

Reasons for dropping out often include students who get behind in credits or attendence... or use drugs and alcohol.

One statistic that education leaders are especially trying to change... One third of the 2006-2007 dropouts were Native American.

Researchers say this can often have to do with a disconnect in the classroom.  And say it takes more engagement from everyone... to turn that number around.

(Mark Berntson/NDEA) "Every at-risk kid is different from every other at-risk kid.  You've got to figure out what each student needs, develop a relationship with them and give them a reason to come to school."

(Dawn Mackety/Senior Researcher ) "Parent engagement is huge.  If we can get parents more engaged, that helps kids make that connection between their home culture and schools.  They also feel that sense of being anchored in the home and being supported in the home, but what they're doing in the schools is right, it's the right path for them.."

Education leaders say there can be anywhere from $250,000 to a million dollar difference in lifetime earnings for a high school graduate and dropouts. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list