The dropout problem is not only an individual problem, but it is costly to society as a whole. Warren & Halpen-Manners (2007) explained, “high school dropouts is of fundamental social, economic, and political importance and has major implications for educational policy and practice, patterns of economic and racial/ethnic inequality, and the quality of America’s workforce” (p. 335). Coupled with that, Neild et al (2008) further argued going through the portal into adult life without high school credentials carries severe economic and employment penalties. Also, Kennelly (2007) explained “When students drop out…. the toll of the quality of life and the prosperity and competitiveness of the communities where they live and collectively across …show more content…
He mentioned that most of the entry-level jobs require at least high school credentials. Especially due to today’s current economic conditions, many individuals are forced to take employment that, at one time, was given to people without a high school diploma. In addition, Tyler & Lofstrom (2009) expressed that recent graduates have lower unemployment rates and higher employment rates.
In addition, high school dropouts have caused many hardships that negatively affect the American economy. Individuals, who have not received high school credentials, live such experiences as poverty, unemployment, teenage parenthood, and criminal activity (Esch, 2003). For example, without the minimum of a high school diploma, individuals are susceptible to a cycle of poverty (AYPF, 2006). Esch (2003) explained that in any given year, the likelihood of slipping into poverty is about three times higher for high school dropouts than for those who finish high school. He mentioned that high school dropouts lack many skills to be hired for decent jobs; therefore, students are more susceptible to be dependent on the public assistance. Researchers revealed that if one third of high school dropouts were to remain in school and earn a diploma, the federal government would save almost 11 billion annually from reducing funds needed for food stamps, housing
Someone who decides to dropout without a high school diploma face a higher risk of being unemployed.When there is a lack of education, it will become difficult to receive a job and more likely to become on welfare. The earnings potential on average for dropouts is to be unemployed and earn less money when they eventually secure work rather than a high school graduate. In the Kerner report, Dorothy Bullitt stated that employed dropouts working at unskilled jobs will belong in a low-paying service occupation offering
In October 2000, the overall picture of high school dropouts had changed little since the late 1980s (Kaufman et al. 2001): For every 100 young adults enrolled in high school in October 1999, 5 had left school without completing a program; of 34.6 million U.S. young adults aged 16-24, 3.8 million—almost 11 percent—had not completed high school and were not enrolled. Some studies have shown that students in schools with a concentration of multiple risk factors (e.g., large schools, large classes, high poverty, inner city location) have less than one chance in two of graduating from high school; furthermore, the economic costs of dropping out have increased as time goes on (Castellano et al. 2001). Adjusting for 50
Dropout factories are a serious problem with high schools. A dropout factory is a school with a high number of dropouts. Middle schools feed poorly educated kids into high school. These kids are not ready for high school, so they drop out. There are more then 60 percent of kids who do not make it from freshman to sophomore year. There are over 1000-documented drop out factories in the United States. In one school, there were 1,2000 freshmen, and the next year there were under 300 sophomores. Most of the kids have at these schools had a third grade reading level. In one case,
In today’s society it has become even more crucial to obtain knowledge and graduate from high school. In the article “The True Cost of High School Dropouts” Henry M. Levin and Cecilia E. Rouse explain that the dropout rate imposes a heavy cost on the economy. Henry M. Levin is a professor of economics and education at Columbia University. Cecilia E. Rouse is a professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University. She also was a member of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers from 2009 to 2011. This article was found on “The New York Times” and was published Jan. 25th, 2012. They begin with stating the facts and giving sources to build credibility. They then go into what is being done wrong and what needs to be done in order to improve.
Across the United States, high school students can encounter a variety of issues that hinder their ability to successfully complete course work to earn the required credits towards graduation. High schools across the United States have an obligation to ensure that students are achieving and receiving a diploma. It is also in the school’s best interest to ensure students are gradating both funding wise and for the overall school rating. When a student does not receive a high school diploma the action affects the student, community and the school. High school dropouts may find it harder to obtain a job that would provide a stable and productive income verses a high school graduate thus, the financial disadvantage in turn can cause
Did you know that 1.2 million high school students drop out of school every year just in the United States alone (11 Facts)? The decrease of high school graduation rates is a fairly important issue, and there are plenty of reasons to propose a change. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the current standard dropout rate of high school students is 7.4%. High school dropouts encounter way more difficulties and challenges than a high school graduate would. An average high school drop out lacks the basic education that one needs in order to be successful in life. They are more likely to face problems dealing with financial insecurity, communication skills, and of course, educational matters. With a high school diploma, one is more likely to get hired for a job, earn a higher income, and educate oneself even further. Some possible causes of high school students dropping out include stress, boredom, family problems, pregnancies, and drugs. With that said, with every issue, there is always a solution. By taking the problem at hand and looking at it from a broad perspective, we can thoroughly identify the source of the high dropout rates of U.S. high school students. There are countless factors that may be the cause of this epidemic, but a few ideas including making learning more relevant, limiting the workload given to students, and providing mandatory classes on drugs and safe sex may possibly be a solution to this
In the United States, there are a great amount of people who never got their high school diploma; a great percentage of these dropouts ended up living in poverty. According to Carmen DeNavas-Walt ,an employee in The United States Census Bureau, “In 2015, 26.3 percent (6.2 million) of people aged 25 and older without a high school diploma were in poverty” (DeNavas-Walt,2016). According to proffesor Rusell W. Rumberger, people who never completed their
When you think of a high school dropout you may think of someone without a job living in their parents basement at the age of 35, playing video games in their pajamas, but dropping out of high school affects a lot more than just that one person. You may not know this but the United States government spends two
High school dropouts are not only facing a miserable situation in the rest of lives but also
$10,510, that’s how much less a high school dropout earns annually than an individual with a high school diploma according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A dropout is less likely to be employed, more likely to be incarcerated and more likely to live in poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, due to incarceration, less paid in taxes and other factors a high school dropout costs taxpayers $292,000 over their lifetime. The financial costs alone should be enough to find ways to increase graduation rates. Research has shown early predictors of dropout are parental education level and early low literacy in the child. Families from one generation to another have a difficult time escaping poverty and families from one generation to another have difficulty improving literacy
The number of high school dropouts is ever decreasing due to the increase in competitiveness in all job markets. Without at least a high school diploma or equivalent, a person is rarely going to be hired over someone with the required credentials. Many entry-level employers (that pay tax to the government and are filed properly) will require a high school diploma or equivalent. The reason for this is that the standard education that is required is there for a reason. Standard public schools are designed to teach students basic societal needs like being literate and being able to do mathematics. This is why the employer would want these credentials. Although not very impressive, it is the bare minimum to the government, and therefore the minimum for most entry level
Working two jobs, paying bills, and trying to live a good life are what most dropouts go through. Education is a key factor in succeeding in life. However, not all students get to complete their high school and continue on to a college. Completing high school and getting a degree from college is the ticket to a better lifestyle. As we look around us, people are still living and paying off their bills even as dropouts from high school. However, they are living at a hand-to-mouth situation. Most dropouts probably work several jobs to just pay off their bills and support themselves. Today, you can have a well-respected job and a better lifestyle with simply an associate or bachelor’s degree. So, what is wrong with being a high school dropout?
“Research shows dropping out is strongly tied to socioeconomic status.” (Gould and Weller, businessinsider.com). State demographer said: “Three out of every 10 workers will not have a high school diploma in 2040…”, that is 30%, and within 24 years 8% of every high school senior class will not be receiving a high school diploma. Luckily now there is new programs that allow people to finish their education, and in addition to that there are programs within high schools that work hand in hand with community colleges to receive a vocational type of degree when graduating high school. For instance San Perlita ISD superintendent Albert Peña IV said: “We’ve had one or two dropout instances recently, but we really don’t deal with a lot of dropouts.”, reason being is that “Like San Perlita ISD, the South Texas Independent School Districts, which is a collection of five magnet schools across the Rio Grande Valley, reported a low total dropout rate…” because they have “looked to other community resources, such as Texas State Technical College.” (Ryan). Superintendent Anneliese McMinn from Rio Hondo IDS said: “…her district has formed a relationship with TSTC in the past year to help its students obtain GEDs.” (Ryan,
It is a big concern for many in the United States dealing with high school dropouts. Ever year the rate of high school dropouts is increasing at a rapid pace than expected. The dropout rate of persons under the age of 18 has risen from 8.1% in 2009 to 9.2 % in 2012 according to the National Center for Education Services. These kids are leaving school at a young age and have a lot of spare time on their hands and when this occurs, persons around their years of 18 can end up in trouble. The education system of the United States are trying their best to keep these children in school and earn their education. There are some states that already have programs and laws that requires children to attend high school till they graduate with their
The current situation of high school students dropping out has been steadily declining since the early 1990’s. This could serve society very well if that trend continues to a point where dropping out of high school become relatively unheard of. A social dysfunction of high school is that it creates a class system between those with a high school diploma and those without one. The manifest function of high school is to provide people with the skills and critical thinking ability to obtain some type base level skilled work as well as provides a way to help keep kids safe and out of trouble. In contrast, a high school dropout would have none of those functions and would likely not be employed in skilled work and as a result might have to turn to criminal activities for an income.