All states should raise the legal high school dropout age to 18, but not because it will automatically increase graduation rates. Rather they should do it because of the message it sends students, parents, the public and the state about the critical importance of a high school diploma in today's global economy. First, by raising the age of when students can drop out of school, it leads to positive effects. In source 2, it says, “Raising the age of exiting pre-graduation may not stop all dropouts but it has a positive effect.” This quote perfectly describes why raising the age of when students can drop out is a great idea. Also, another positive effect addressed by his speech is when he said, “When students don't walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma.” This meaning that when students stay in school, and don’t give up on their education, more of them get their diploma. …show more content…
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. Finally, if dropouts decide to leave school before the required age, it leads to negative impacts over the course of his or her life. High school dropouts, according to source 4, have higher unemployment, lower job satisfaction, and even a higher likelihood of ending up in jail or public assistance. Thus, making the students who drop out suffer. Dropouts usually do not have a good reputation and, as seen in source 3, have a lower income than those who have graduated/ have gotten a high school
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.
Should children be required to attend school past the age of 16? In the United States a number of states are currently dealing with that question. The dropout age, historically set at 16 in most of the nation, has been edging up. Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia have compulsory attendance until 18, and 11 others require attendance until age 17 (Slonick, 2012). According to Statistic Brian Research Institute, percent of US crimes that are committed by a high school dropout is about 75 %. This statistics show people that do not stay in school past the age of 16 years old lacks maturity to make sound adult decisions. A financial benefit of keeping someone in school one extra year will increase their annual income an estimated 10%.
In the United States, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school every year. This is about one student every 26 seconds or 7,000 students a day. These alarming statistics are unfortunately a reality. Many of these kids face severe consequences throughout their life because of this one bad decision. These challenges could be avoided if students are required to graduate and receive their diploma. Students should be required to stay in school until the age of 18 to protect their well-being, ensure they won’t make a decision that they will likely regret, and give them more opportunities in their adulthood.
Among one of the numerous debates of today, dropout age seems to be among the most debated. While the general public may wonder why dropout age is even an issue, many will agree that this is a topic worth mentioning in the world today. So what's the whole dispute about? Dropout age has been a concern for many people in the United States for many years now, mainly because while the majority of experts agree on its negative effects, others believe that dropout age shouldn't even matter. However, a group of U.S. Senators has recently taken up a position to lower the age to fourteen. So what's the answer to this debate? Contrary to the Senators' beliefs, dropout ages should be raised to prevent the negative effects high-school dropouts end up having.
A person who does not have a high school diploma is at higher risk of being unemployed being a single parent, being in a gang, or being in prison; therefore, the mandatory age for leaving high school should be raised.
$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
From what I have read on the constitution and age limits on drop out there is nothing between these two things that intertwine that say we cannot lower or raise the age of minimal dropout ages? As I said before though this can either make or break the entire reasoning for the laws existence, the graduation rates could either raise or decline. Those are the risks that we would and still will have to take for those states that have decided to raise the age to
In life there are many struggles that interfere with a students education. In the 1970s, the United States had the world’s highest high school graduation rate. Today, we are ranked number twenty-one which shows a decrease in students that graduate. Lowering the dropout rate can solve several economic and social problems. Dropping out of high school has become a controversial topic that will continue for ages to come. Students should be required to stay in school until the age of eighteen because those without a high school diploma have higher unemployment and lower job satisfaction, have lower earnings, and have a higher likelihood of ending up in jail or on public assistance
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
Each year, 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. According to Dropoutprevention.org teenagers leave school because they feel they cannot complete course requirements, cannot keep up with school assignments or feel they do not connect with their teachers. When the young adults stop their education, they no longer have positive examples to follow and lose a plan for their life in the future. Teens are not yet experienced enough to make these types of life changing decisions. It is important for the government to set regulations for them to follow so they have a better opportunity of success later in life. Students should be required to stay in school until they are eighteen years old because high school teaches them life skills and their diploma qualify
“Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country, and this country needs and values the talents of every American.” -Barack Obama. This quote from Barack Obama was from his address to Congress. Some might say that high school is not for everyone, but dropping out of high school can affect your future. As of right now, the dropout age is 16 . Teenagers at the age of 16 are not very knowledgeable of what happens after high school. At the age of 16 teenagers are not an adult nor should have to worry about dropping out of school. Therefore, students should not be able to make this life- changing decision until their senior year. Getting a high school diploma is a big deal yet these students are dropping out and losing the chance to have a good job that pays well and have a better future.
As of personal experiences, members of my family have had to postpone getting their diploma to help assist in family needs. For instance, my grandpa got in an accident and work and was in the hospital for an extended amount of time so my oldest uncle had to postpone his diploma in order to help my grandma pay bills and get food on the table. I also believe that a majority of students don’t just drop out just because they don’t like it. I believe they have a greater reason for dropping out. For example, they could drop out in order to help on the family farm or to assist in the family business. Just because people drop out of high school does not mean they lack the skills to drive a
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
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
Will negatively affect a student's future. Bob Keeshan once said,”Children don't drop out of High School when they are 16 they do so in the first grade and wait 10 years to make it official.” Throughout the years studies have shown that in a year 1.2 million students drop out. Which leads that only 25% of High School students during their freshman year fail to graduate. Dropouts in the United States have became a very trending thing we must get to the bottom of this problem. Young adults should not be making these decisions it's time to step in.