Currently you cannot join the Army without a HS diploma or equivalent (The Army considers a GED w/ 15 or more college credit hours 100 level or above a HS Diploma)
Teachers in NY (currently where I am station) site low dropout rates due to funding, however, NY has the highest per pupil expenditure at over $20,000. In addition they are ranked 44th in the nation in SAT scores.
States ranked highest on the SAT also have some of the lowest dropout rates...I'd venture to say that schools that actually teach, keep students involved and they don't drop out.
stewbaileyof NY6:25PM May 28, 2011
A degree is no longer an option but a necessity and parents must take the initiative to see that their kids do not miss out on their degree certificates.
order fake college degree11:14AM April 20, 2010
Parents are the key. Parents must instill the high value of education in their children. If that pivotal element is missing, no teacher can put it in a child's head. Those values are only taught at home. The apothy we see in schools is not the result of teachers. The quality of education and teaching is at an all time high. Schools offer more engaging instructional methods and technology than ever seen before. Still, students drop out. It's becuase they don't see the value in it. Education is a personal responsibility everyone has to accept, and its up to parents to ensure that thier children will do their part. Doing the work, delaying gratificaion, accepting responsibility...those are the keys to success! It all starts at home!
independenceof NJ9:41AM April 14, 2010
GED and similar programs generally do not meet the same rigorous standards as the four year day time HS programs. Simply put, those programs are easier. That directly correlates with the lower salaries earned by individuals with GED's etc as opposed to those with standard HS diploma. GED's etc have significant value and should be encouraged, but it is not the same as "graduating" the standard four year full time program.
independanceof NJ9:28AM April 14, 2010
The more we mentor young people, the more they will be motivated to finish high school. Many families are stuck in a cycle of just working straight from high school and raising families that there is never time for school.
When youth are paired with mentors they make wiser decisions about their education.
Fabian Ramirezof TX1:10AM March 30, 2010
What effect are online public schools, which bring many dropouts back into school, and which also improves test scores, having on state dropout rates? Florida has been a leader in online K12 education. What has been the effect there? And shouldn't returning students be included in the survey?
Randy Duttonof WA6:47PM June 23, 2009
Just to clarify: The "graduation rate" referred to in the Education Week report is the percentage of kids who graduate in FOUR YEARS of high school.
Some kids are held back a year (this is not uncommon in the 9th grade), and some may drop out and get their GED a few years later. None of those students would be considered "graduates" under this limited definition, but they do indeed graduate.
The article also extrapolates the information to say that 30% of students drop out, which is wholly inaccuarate.
Mikeof NJ3:17PM June 18, 2009
First, AP courses are plenty challenging, and many 16-18 year old students need the close interaction of AP classes versus the large auditorium classes of colleges.
Second, the students dropping out typically have problems with basic arithmetic and reading levels between 4-8th grades. College classes are not the answer for these students.
Finally, the problem rests with apathetic students who "need" constant attention from the internet, text messaging, television, or video games. If you polled how many hours students spend on homework and how many hours are spent on other activities, (and I have) you would find students who have little to no work ethic towards school work.
Sometimes subjects just can't be made that interesting. I don't care what song and dance a teacher does, long division and fractions really cannot be made that interesting.
Jeremy from Fargoof ND4:10PM June 15, 2009
we have one of the lower graduation rates, somewhere in the 50-60% range, depending on whose statistics you choose to believe.
Do you know what some educators here are touting as one solution that has proven promise? A concept of "pushin' 'em FORWARD" (because they are bored).
One of the ideas showing the most promise is partnering high schools with colleges or community colleges to offer dual credit courses. Get college credit while in high school. Get challenged. Get out of the high school silly-stuff environment. Get serious. Save time. Save money. Create a "magnet" to grow up.
I say, good. Forget the A/P stuff. Get 'em in real college ASAP.
Report cards may come out only twice a year, but education news happens every day. Here is where U.S. News writers grade the latest developments, from school districts banning the game of tag to congressional debates that affect college affordability. Check regularly for the most recent updates.
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stewbailey of NY 6:25PM May 28, 2011
order fake college degree 11:14AM April 20, 2010
independence of NJ 9:41AM April 14, 2010
independance of NJ 9:28AM April 14, 2010
Fabian Ramirez of TX 1:10AM March 30, 2010
Randy Dutton of WA 6:47PM June 23, 2009
Mike of NJ 3:17PM June 18, 2009
Jeremy from Fargo of ND 4:10PM June 15, 2009
Muser of NM 10:55AM June 13, 2009