High School Dropout Rate

There are a number of sobering statistics concerning the high school dropout rate in the United States. One third of all students who enter high school don’t graduate.1 As of 2000, 10.9% of 16 to 24 year olds were dropouts.2 The dropout rate in urban schools is twice the rate of non-urban schools.2 Statistics also show that young adults whose families are in the lowest 20% of incomes are six times more likely to dropout that those whose families are in the upper 20% of incomes.2 The U.S. Department of Corrections indicates that 82% of all prisoners are dropouts.3

There are a variety of reasons that students dropout. They may dropout because they just don’t like school. Poor grades and not being able to keep up with course work or content is another reason. Students who repeat grades are more likely to dropout.4 The student may be pregnant, become pregnant and get married forcing them to leave school. Poor child health and development, stemming from teen pregnancy is another reason.4 Some may be working to support their family and not be able to manage both school and work. Some dropouts have sited concerns for their personal safety at school. Not being able to get along with other students or their teachers can be a contributing factor. Some dropouts are not interested in school and become bored and stop going. Drugs and alcohol are also reasons a student may dropout. Minority membership, unstable or stressful home life, and socioeconomic factors are among other reasons.

As a teacher, I will need to stay tuned into how the student is progressing academically. If a student is falling behind, then I will need to take steps to help them so they don’t get frustrated. I will also make efforts to establish a strong teacher-parent communication channel to encourage the parents to stay involved and supportive in their child’s academics. As an educator, I will encourage the students that are at risk to get involved with alternative programs that may be more appropriately suited for the students needs.

Franklin P. Schargel, one of the authors of “Strategies to