High School Dropout Rate 1 in 4, According to Study

High School Dropout Rate 1 in 4, According to Study

September 28, 2007 by
Amy Whittle  
Amy Whittle
Amy Whittle
  • Published Content: 408
  • Total Views: 1,187,496
  • Fans: 8
View Profile | Follow | Add to Favorites
Single page
Font Size
Read comments (13)
More topics
Dropout  |  Dropout Rate  |  High School Dropout  |  Rate
The high school dropout rate is actually 1 in 4, not the 10 percent that the United States government estimates, according to a new study from the University of Michigan. Sociologists working on the study found that not only that the
High School Dropout Rate 1 in 4, According to Study
Date: September 28, 2007
high school dropout rate was higher than expected, but that the figure has not improved in recent decades.

The University of Michigan study highlight's the discrepancy between two sources of data that could be used to estimate high school dropout rates. The United States uses the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS) to give approximate high school dropout rates. The survey shows only 10 percent of students dropout, with that number steadily declining by 40 percent over the last ten years.

However, the University of Michigan study used the information available from the National Center for Education Statistics' Common Core of Data survey (CCD), which indicates a 25 percent dropout rate. It also indicates that the rate of high school completion has not significantly changed within the past few decades.

The study, lead by sociology professor John Robert Warren and graduate student Andrew Halpern-Manners is detailed in a paper titled "Is the Glass Emptying or Filling Up: Reconciling Divergent Trends in High School Completion and Dropout," which in the most recent issue of Educational Researcher. The study indicates that the difference in high school dropout rate statistics can have people using the CCD numbers to describe a dropout rate crisis while others using the CPS study may claim much less of a problem.

The difference in the two data sources may be in part to different handling of data. Private high school graduates and GED recipients are both counted differently in the CCD data versus the CPS data. However, the University of Michigan study accounted for these differences and still found at least half of the discrepancy still remained between the two sets of data.

Page: 1 2 Next »
 Print   Save Read comments (13)   Next piece
Related Video
   
RelatedRecommendedFeaturedMore By This Source
Texas High School Dropout Analysis
Educational leaders make decisions regarding students and the educational institution once the educational leader comprehends the data and is able to enlighten the learning community to the findings of the data.
By Jack Devine  |  Published 7/25/2007  |  Read more »
What You Need to Know About the School Dropout Problem
The school dropout problem is a very serious one for America. To correct this crisis, we need consistent participation from students, parents, schools and state officials. The NEA and other expert educators have researched and documented some solutions.
By MichaelTaylor  |  Published 11/17/2006  |  Read more »
High School Dropouts: The Pain We All Share
A student who drops out of high school costs everybody more money, and limits their potential for growth and happiness.
By C.R. Rockwell  |  Published 7/18/2007  |  Read more »
Hundreds More Pass California High School Exit Exam
California State Superintendent Jack O'Connell recently announced 819 more students have passed the High School Exit Exam. The test continues to still be a contentious debate in the state.
By Paradigm  |  Published 11/5/2006  |  Read more »
High School Seniors: An Overview of the Financial Expectations
With college expenses skyrocketing, many high school parents are aggressively searching out and finding ways to cut budgets and save for college. However, with high school senior programs, parents often overlook the cost of programs before college.
By Christine Cadena  |  Published 9/24/2006  |  Read more »
A Parent's Perspective on Holy Cross High School, Delran, NJ
The only Roman Catholic high school in all of Burlington County, New Jersey has much to offer parents and students - artistically, athletically and academically!
By ivylily  |  Published 1/6/2006  |  Read more »
 
Comments 1 - 10 of 13 Next >>
Comments
Type in Your Comments Below

wow thats sad
Add a Comment

Posted on 02/22/2009 at 4:02:34 PM

Sometimes there are very good reasons for dropping out. I did and later got my Diploma at home. I was 1/2 credit short of graduating, but I did finish eventually. I have a great job now, too. So, it just goes to show there can be good reasons for some kids at that age.
Add a Comment

Posted on 11/03/2007 at 10:11:00 AM

Colleges' research data is rarely 100% UNbiased. i DO NOT buy it. I am sure that this school/u/ did not investigate every HS in the US. I am sure it did a random survey. HS grad rates are much higher than what was depicted. IF it was so low, several things would be different; enrollment [or attempted enrollment] at the nation's colleges would not be SRO. [Standing only.] Also, for a unique fact, AZ's colleges, esp ASU, considered the top party school of the SW, has a 4 yr grad rate [yes, college not HS] of 29%, whereas top eastern colleges are at 85+%. OUR reason is actually because the admin at ASU will NOT allow students to graduate in 4 yrs!!! I have been to one HS [as a sub] that had a 25% grad rate but most had 85+% rates. Remember, the deck is stacked; kids move, kids get sick and often, they have to graduate later or with their GED. I am sure the W analysis did not take these parts into consideration. [i told a group of HS and college ki
Add a Comment

Posted on 11/02/2007 at 4:11:00 PM

It seems like we need specific dropout rates for not only national stats, but for state, county, city, and school. Having a national stat doesn't seem very helpful. http://www.insurance-tucson.com, http://www.scottsdaleinsurance.info, http://www.arizonahealthinsurance.biz
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/30/2007 at 8:10:00 AM

This is just one more reason to add to my list of why to continue homeschooling until a major change occurs. I agree with Meaghan. Teachers need to be allowed to step outside of the box. New ideas are greatly needed. Obviously the tests are flawed when you compare the number of students who graduate to the number that pass the tests that are supposed to be accurate assessments. It just doesn't equate. Instead of working toward passing a test, teachers should be able to teach what needs to be learned. If they are allowed to do that, passing the tests will come easily for the students. I have a few of my own ideas, including what and how homework is assigned, as well as the way classrooms are set up and taught. I wrote articles on those if you're interested (most recently on the homework issue).
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/09/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

Wow, this is heartbreaking info. Great job presenting it.
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/03/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

That is why we need to allow our teachers to teach rather than tell them how to teach. There needs to be creativity in their education to make these childern WANT to be in school. It can be done. As a teacher, I am so sick and tired of being told to teach for the test, not for the children!
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/02/2007 at 3:10:00 AM

Either number is better than 10-15 years ago, but still a disgrace. Maybe the minimum competencies movement is keeping kids in school - even though they are not learning anything.
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 5:10:00 AM

If this is accurate, it is both stunning and disheartening.
Add a Comment

Posted on 09/30/2007 at 8:09:00 PM

This is an important article.
Add a Comment

Posted on 09/30/2007 at 7:09:00 PM

Comments 1 - 10 of 13 Next >>

Have more to say?
Become a Source on AC