School failure is a complex challenge that transcends the classroom and has far-reaching economic, social, and emotional implications. According to the II Dide.org Report, during the 2023-2024 academic year, the economic cost of school failure in Spain amounted to 4,960.2 million euros, a figure that includes the costs associated with grade repetition, early dropout, and the fact that many students fail to complete Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) with the corresponding qualification.
Beyond the figures: the human and social impact
Although the figures are alarming, it is important not to lose sight of the human impact behind them. During the last academic year, nearly 200,000 young people finished ESO without a qualification, and more than 290,000 dropped out of post-compulsory education prematurely. This scenario not only hinders the personal and professional development of those affected, but also amplifies social problems such as inequality, job insecurity, and social exclusion.
In addition, school failure has effects on the family environment, generating economic and emotional tensions. Students who do not receive support in time may see their self-esteem and motivation affected, which, in the long term, can translate into higher rates of unemployment and a reduction in the quality of life.
Tools for real change: early detection and intervention
Faced with this scenario, early detection of difficulties is presented as an essential solution. The Dide.org report shows that reducing the school repetition rate by 10% through the use of technological tools would allow savings of 230 million euros per year, in addition to offering an opportunity for academic success to more than 29,000 students.
How is this achieved? Through tools such as those developed by Dide.org, which analyze aspects of students’ learning, development, behavior, and emotions through precise and accessible indicators. These solutions allow teachers, counselors, and families to identify warning signs early and design personalized intervention plans that address the specific needs of each student.
This methodology not only improves academic performance but also contributes to strengthening the student’s emotional and social environment, creating a virtuous circle that benefits all educational actors.
Preventing school failure: an investment in the future
Preventing school failure is not an expense, it is an investment in the future of our society. The figures leave no room for doubt: every euro invested in prevention and early detection not only reduces the costs associated with school failure but also multiplies the possibilities of academic and personal success for thousands of young people.
At Dide.org, we remain committed to this mission. With our tools, which have already helped thousands of children and their families in Europe and Latin America, we work to transform the education system into one that is more inclusive and effective. We firmly believe that every student deserves a real opportunity to develop their potential, and technology can be the bridge that makes it possible. If we manage to detect difficulties in time, we will not only reduce school failure, but we will be building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society for all.
We invite you to listen to our Doctor of Psychology, Nuria Ros, on La Tarde con Marina to expand the information on the importance of preventing school failure. At Dide.org, we are experts in detecting educational, emotional, and behavioral potential and difficulties early in order to intervene. You can access the diagnostic tool in this link.
