The drop out rate in American schools is highly difficult to quantify. There are statistical debates and reporting procedures that make an exact number subject to controversy. Nevertheless, from 2006, a sampling of data yield appalling results:

“…Fourteen urban school districts have on-time graduation rates lower than 50%; they include Detroit, Baltimore, New York, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Denver and Houston.”

link: Big-city schools struggle with graduation rates

The days of not needing to finish high school are long gone. Granted that there are school districts that produce much better graduation results. However thousands of teenagers will enter adulthood with a staggering disadvantage. These figures are disheartening.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: schools, children, drop out rate, graduation