SEEKONK - The school district is taking a number of measures to prevent students from dropping out of school.

High school Guidance Director Christine Whatley told the school committee this week that there are protocols in place to assist troubled students.

Reasons for dropping out include multiple class failures, poor academic records from some transfer students and family problems such as mental illness or drug use.

The high school's dropout rate for 2008-2009 was 2.5 percent, which means 16 out of 647 students dropped out.

Teachers and administrators refer at-risk students to the guidance department, where a counselor administers a questionnaire to assess a student's reasons for wanting to drop out. The counselor also encourages the student to wait and consider the consequences of dropping out.

If necessary, the counselor refers the student for counseling with the school psychologist, adjustment counselor or school clinician.

Educational alternatives are also offered, including online or correspondence courses, community college courses, the On-Track Program, Somerset/Swansea Community School and summer school.

A transition coordinator is available to assist the student with planning and to maintain contact until the student has earned a diploma.