The Transition to High School: Why Are Today's Freshmen Struggling?

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.

They have to balance out their school schedule and personal one as well just to be able to fit everything in a single day. Personally, the year would be pretty easy considering mass majority of my classes are electives and those are usually easy, but for coming in freshmen, they are in for a ride. They normally have their four core classes: English, math, science, and history then they have two extra with P.E. or electives. So they will have to worry about their core four, but now there will be an additional two classes for them to work on when they transition from middle school to high school. Yes, this may help them graduate early with the technicalities. That's only really possible if they work twice as hard as they did in middle school and it just doesn't seem worth it. They can have an overload and become stressed more often than not. It all seems too much to have to deal

Higher education in America is facing many challenges, i.e., low retention, low graduation rates and less funding. Postsecondary institutions are scrambling to remain a competitive entity within society. In order to do so, students must remain in school (Talbert, 2012). The Office of the White House states (2014), educational attainment is critical to our county’s economic success. In essence, the work force is creating more jobs requiring more education and a higher level of skill than was previously achieved. Individuals with only a high school diploma will not make into the middle class sector because of

Another major influence on me joining is how the students act and are treated. First of all the maturity level at a normal highschool would be set pretty low. That's why I would rather go somewhere, where that that level is set high so they can give me a chance with so much responsibility. I think every teenager, like myself, enjoys the freedom of wearing normal clothes, being able to walk around campus, and having so many ways to connect and communicate with teachers. I know I do, I enjoy knowing that we're trusted and are able to take on responsibility many high school students don't

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

Although underclassmen are just learning to survive and juniors are preparing for their last year, seniors are preparing to enter a new world and some are struggling to graduate. Underclassmen may think that they have a hard time, but they actually have the easiest work are still transitioning out of middle school. High school is a four year transition; every year they are preparing students for their next

From personal experience, I had an English teacher who at the beginning of the year said, "This is not Kansas anymore, you're in a college preparatory high school." What I thought at first was it was not going to be anything difficult. I was wrong. This class tested me to my full potential and made me want to quit, but I put forth my best effort and pulled through. I was determined to work harder and be a better student. The quote from the mission statement states, "We are committed to challenging each student in both heart and mind." This statement has been proven to be true by the amount of challenging assignments I was presented with. Hoban High School challenged me not only mentally, but also in my heart by making me want to strive to be a better student. I have learned to value not only the opportunities that Hoban has to offer, but the individuals around me as

Each individual has a variety of opinions regarding high school. Two people couldn’t reflect the same way because of differences in choices and experiences. I would advise them to focus on their grades from the beginning, but not let them take over all aspects of their lives. Staying organized and learning to manage their time will make classes more manageable. Having good relationships with your teachers could prove to be beneficial in the long run for scholarship and college application recommendation letters. The rising freshman class

Once you become a sophomore, you begin to realize how annoying the freshmen can be. So for your sake, follow these pointers so you do not get shoved in a locker. Here at Maconaquah High School, you can be a better, more successful student by being respectful to teachers and upperclassmen, studying, and remembering not to stress out over tests and homework.

This year I have taken the initiative and joined the Freshman mentor program. Every Thursday, I stand in front of my freshman class and try to guide them through their first year of high school successfully. I put myself out for them, telling them about my experiences, my mistakes. Not only do I tell them of my experiences, I show them others as well. This allows them realize they can exceed and become successful as well. Weekly, I engage them by asking for their opinions on certain topics , problems, and situations in school and encourage them to find ways to solve or improve those situations and problems. By allowing them to talk, express themselves, voice their opinions, I encourage them to start thinking, to develop problem solving

Have you ever been annoyed about the incoming freshman? I have a idea of what they could do to make them better students. The freshman of Maconaquah High School can become better students by getting good grades, getting to class on time, and studying. If the freshman follow these tips they will become better students.

I’m currently a freshman at Cape Coral High School and so far everything has been going well. Teachers and staff are always eager to reaching out and helping students with concerns. Along with that, the hallways, the side stairways, and the happy, marching music are effective during the changing of classes.

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

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

Inconsiderate freshmen only notice themselves in the first year of High School. They prance around the hallways and think they are the center of attention. In reality, still have great deal to learn about life and themselves. Inconsiderate freshmen have no sympathy for other students, in the classroom. Teachers acknowledge these students as disrespectful,but can often be humorous. They goof off in class, creating a difficult learning environment for others. The first year of high school is the most important, between maintaining your GPA and grades, but also friendships. Freshman that constantly disrupt class are only trying to seek attention all of the other students. People like this may only want to maintain the awareness of students on