Project Evaluation of "Oltre i confini. Un modello di scuola aperta al territorio". Against school dropout: an integrated approach

School dropout is a multifaceted issue tied to student discomfort during their educational journey, manifesting in various behaviours (Gulli, 2008). Influenced by socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors, it negatively impacts individual and collective growth (Batini, 2016; Zecca, Passalacqua, Ribis, 2020). The project "Oltre i confini. Un modello di scuola aperta al territorio," led by C.I.D.I. di Milano and selected by Con i Bambini, involved 70 entities, including 45 schools across 9 networks, to combat educational poverty. It aimed to foster collaboration between schools, public institutions, and the third sector, enhancing student engagement and reducing dropout rates through innovative teaching methods (Martini & Trivellato, 2011; Giosi, 2011). The evaluation, conducted by Università di Milano Bicocca, utilized a qualitative approach involving interviews, focus groups, targeted samples, and multiple case studies, by using Grounded Theory (Charmaz, 2014) guiding data gathering and analysis. Preliminary results highlighted that integrating schools with local communities and employing innovative practices enhanced student engagement and reduced inequalities, despite challenges in geographic allocation, teacher turnover, and scalability. These findings align with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) objectives to combat dropout and underline the importance of scaling successful practices.