The Controversy Of Dropping Out Of High School

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.

In a society which is relying increasingly on education, graduating high school is quickly becoming an important accolade to ensure a student’s success in society. According to a study completed in July of 2011, high school dropouts cost between $320 billion and $350 billion annually in lost wages, taxable income, health, welfare and incarceration costs. (Zhao, 2011) As well as the financial impact, there are many other aspects that should be addressed when looking at high school dropout rates. The most prevalent example is the fact that systematically, the education system has shown significant signs of unbalance in the distribution of dropout rates across different races and or ethnicities. In 2009, 4.8 percent of of blacks and 5.8 percent of Hispanics between 15 and 24 dropped out of grades 10-12, compared with 2.4 percent for white students. (Zhao, 2011) With statistics like this, it is important that we not only ensure our education system is operating in a successful way, but also providing equal education and opportunities for students of all races, ethnicities, income levels, and religious backgrounds. By examining our education system, we as educators will be able to address and hopefully resolve the issues related to the unequal dropout rates in high schools across the nation.

There are many negative effects caused by dropping out of high-school. Some of these effects include dropouts being more likely to become delinquents, more likely to have a lower income, and more likely to be leading an unhealthy life. According to the article Raise the Legal Dropout Age by the University of Toronto, "An average dropout earns less money, is more likely to spend time in jail, and is less healthy, less happy and less likely to be married than a high school graduate." These are some major effects that everyone should be aware of. Simply dropping out of school can change someone's whole life for the worse.

From 1972 to 2006 high school dropout rates decreased from 6.1 percent to 3.8 percent. A majority of this decline occurred between 1972 and 1990, when the rate dropped to 4 percent. However, from 1990 to 1995 there was a surprising increase in dropout rates (Laird & others, 2008). Since then there have been numerous debates and discussions on the issue of dropout rates and how to handle them appropriately. From the information above, it is very evident that the United States wasn’t directly involved with the matter. As a result, stated before, President Barack Obama made his claim towards this issue. This urged most states across the nation to raise the dropout age (Ho, 2017). In fact, a study co-authored by Alan Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, found that in some states approximately 25 percent of potential dropouts stayed in school since the compulsory schooling age was moved to 18. With an additional year of schooling that 25 percent will increase their earnings by at least 7 percent when

Earning a diploma, a degree or even a trade can significantly affect one's future financial status. An education-or lack thereof- can mean the difference between being poverty stricken or financially stable. College graduates earn an average of 66 percent more than non graduates and often enjoy additional benefits, including greater job opportunities and promotions.(Source: study.org) However,  according to spotlightonpoverty.org, 69 percent of students graduate from college on time, yet many graduate without the skills needed for college or work. Without an education chances of obtaining a decent paying job is slim, which can result in a life of impoverishment. "Policymakers and education leaders must implement strategies to reduce the high school dropout rate and adequately prepare high school students for college, while providing low income students with the support they need to attain a degree or credential."

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

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

High School graduation day is an unforgettable time that is savored in memories for one’s entire life. That day marks the transition from boy to man, girl to woman, and ultimately, student to adult. Friends split paths, families say goodbye, and relationships end, but for every door that closes, a new one opens. The way I look at it, is that there are two options: join the labor force straight out of the gates or attend college to earn a higher-level of education. The latter is the more preferable way because it gives the worker a chance to earn a greater sum of money. For some, attending a well-known university is not a feasible option because of the ludicrous pricing of tuition. The majority of people do not want to start their new life with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, so they choose not to attend. The government should implicate public funding for college education by cutting back spending on federal penitentiaries because it would increase the amount of white-collar workers and trim the amount of debt a college student would have to pay back.

Over 1.2 million kids drop out of high school in the United States alone. Students drop because they fall behind in school, get low grades, wasn’t getting along with teachers or students, or had to support their family. There are numerous reasons why students have to drop out and the numbers are quickly increasing each year. Students should be in school till they are 18 because it will give them a better chance of graduating, raise their income and learn basic life skills.

To shake things up, this week I decided to review an editorial created and published by a teen student. In their editorial the anonymous student discusses the minimum drop-out age in high schools nationwide. He/She makes use of facts, testimonies, and stylistic devices to argue that the minimum drop-out age for high schools across the country should be raised to 18. They also consider the impact such changes would have on the country’s economy and society.

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

Most people grow up not wanting to go to school, that’s normal. Even though people might feel this way, still stay in school. If not, then jobs will be harder to get, and they won’t be that good of jobs. Either stay in school and maybe be a doctor, or better and/or dropout and work at McDonalds at minimum wage (“Minimum Wage.”). Working for just minimum wage can’t support a family very well. Think about it, around $7.00 an hour. That will not in most cases pay for a place to live, like people living in section 8 housing. Will not pay for food,

In source 3, it gives the average income by education. For high school dropouts, the average income is $19,540. Comparing that to a four-year college degree which is $46,930, or even some college/associate degree which is $36,190. The more education, the more the average income is. That is why staying in school, until the required age is very important when it comes to money, and his or her future.

Due to this factor it is causing a drastic number of unemployed people due to businesses and company’s having to turn down citizens for the fact they don’t have a high school diploma or college degree. In a recent study, “Dropping out of high school is associated with negative employment and life outcomes. Young people who drop out of high school are unlikely to have the minimum skills and credentials necessary to function in today’s increasingly complex society and technology-dependent workplace”(Child Trends). It is important for young people to obtain their high school diploma and move into the American workforce in order to raise the high unemployment rate that we are

According to PBS, the average high school dropout makes approximately $20,241 every year, which is $10,386 less than someone with a bachelor's degree. This leads me to my second point- those who dropout of high school are practically guaranteed to lead to a less well off lifestyle. The same source states that the national unemployment rate as of August 2015 was 8.1%. However, this measured to 12% of American citizens who dropped out of high school and only 4.1% with a college degree. Personally, I believe that most high schoolers don't have a clear view of the future. Many of those that dropout of high school don't realize how desperately this is going to effect their lives twenty years from now. This isn't only affecting them, but our country's economy. According to a 2013 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States has one of the