States Bring Purpose-Driven Social Networking Tools to Schools

By integrating social networking strategies with personalized, secure data -- such as transcripts and test scores -- education portals give students more control of their futures, proponents say.

An innovative approach with some risk might be necessary, as the nation is in the "throes of a persistent high school dropout crisis," according to a report by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston and the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago. The report states that, in 2007, nearly 6.2 million U.S. students between the ages of 16 and 24 dropped out of high school. As the nation continues to stagger in the global innovation race, state and local governments have had to find ways to keep kids on the right college and career track.

"Web-based, one-stop shops" give students and parents access to tools they need to plan, apply and pay for college. Students can interact with guidance counselors and college recruiters. These portals also provide identity protection so schools can upload transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation.