Dropout RateBreaking the CycleAt the state and national level, we can no longer deny the tragedy that more than one million individuals—nearly one third of all public high school students—dropout of school annually.
Perhaps more tragic is the fact that based on a study performed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, most dropouts are students who could have, and believe they could have, succeeded in school.
While there is no single reason why students drop out of school, studies show that most students who drop out report feeling unchallenged by coursework and that their classes were uninteresting. And though many dropout circumstances are complicated, for most students dropping out is a gradual rather than sudden act.
Hearing what these students have to say is changing the national perception of dropouts. Multiple organizations are seeking to debunk myths and offer recommendations in the fight to ensure that all students make it to graduation.
The links below offer educators, parents and students tools for understanding the conditions under which students drop out and resources for breaking the cycle.
Partnered with the MTV network, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation produced this half-hour documentary examining the lives of three young people -- Sean, Glendy and Maxine -- struggling to graduate from high school. Each story captures the real challenges young people encounter and puts a face and name on the more than one million dropouts annually.
Think MTV MTV launched Think to give young people everywhere the opportunity to make life, community and the world better. Learn more about various issues, including education and connect with people, groups and organizations. While you're there, check us out on this site!
The Silent Epidemic, Gates Foundation View this report that highlights the high school dropout epidemic in America.
Students Who Drop Out, Achieve Read what students say about dropping out and view various surveys conducted on this issue.
This innovative website is part of a new campaign out of California. Targeting students by reaching them on sites they frequent (like MySpace and YouTube), My Future, My Decision offers dropouts access to advisors and assistance in creating individualized graduation plans. The site also includes key facts about our nation's dropout epidemic and other helpful resources.
Improving Graduation Rates: Data-Driven Dropout Prevention
This helpful policy brief from Achieve, Inc. offers sound proof
that by using common educational risk factors, educators and administrators can
track, identify and help potential dropouts early on and save the
system money in the long run.
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