Raising High School Graduation Rate

In their article, Levin and Rouse say that in the United states the dropout rate has fallen since the 1970s. They state that programs should be enforced to promote dropout prevention. While these programs may be expensive, more high school graduates benefit the economy in the long run.

Going directly to college after high school can be completely beneficial to one’s life. It is what the government encourages while in high school and can easily be accomplished. By attending college at a young age you can live the infamous college life that so many adults speak of as “the best four years of my life”. These four years can be achieved and should be enjoyed. As a young student, one can have the stamina to attend class with hours on end. As a current college student, I see many adults coming back to college because they have been part of the group that has tried to succeed while only having a high school diploma. The truth of the matter is those high school students that realize that a four-year degree in college can secure a place in life that is acceptable for them will be the ones to succeed; furthermore, these students are the future of America.

First of all, High school dropouts is an issue occurring since a very long time ago because it has been proven that many students are unsuccessful after dropping out of high school. As mentioned before, every year over 1.2 million students drop out of high school. As Richmond mentions, “an estimated 1 million students will fail to graduate this year, a loss of 5,500 students for every day on the academic calendar” (Richmond 1). This is a big quantity of students who will have no education guidance into their future. Texas is one of the top three states with higher dropout rates along with California and Florida. Also, there is no rate difference between genders just that boys and girls dropout for different reasons. Although, people will say that this issue does not affect them particularly, these dropout students will affect our economy in the future. As Lynch states, “The financial ramifications of dropping out of high school hurt more than the individual” (Lynch par. 6). Since students

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.

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

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

Reminiscing back to the first day of freshman year, when I sat down in my history class and my teacher told us a story where he had seen a homeless teenager scrounging for money to complete strangers. The homeless teenager then asked my teacher for cash and was handed some spare change. My teacher then proceeded to ask the teenager what had happened. The teenager responded, “I dropped out of high school my sophomore year,” then proceeded to walk off in sorrow and regret. Many of us know someone who dropped out of high school, who are currently homeless, or still living with their parents. Having a high school education leads to a better future because the homeless teen faced hardships such as living in poverty, he couldn't find a stable job,

Most of the teenagers who drop out from high school tend to fall into the jail system chain. In the website “Alternative Schools Network” which is dedicated to stopping students from dropping out of school mentions that “Youth dropouts are more likely to be involved in destructive interactions and illicit activities, making them prone to incarceration”. There's a direct relationship between highschool dropouts and the likelihood of them going to jail. High school dropouts are most likely to end up being in a facility center, due to the fact that instead of being involved in their education they are getting involved in crimes or gangs. Not being able to find a good paying job in the first place, high school dropouts tend to recur to illicit activities to make their everyday living which leads them in a life going in and out of prison. Research has shown that “High school dropouts are less likely to receive skills and experience needed for employment”. Once an individual stops attending school they give up the necessary skills and knowledge required for a good job. Most of the times they end up getting a job which pays them barely enough to survive which leads them to illegal activities as a way out of their current

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 dropouts are not only facing a miserable situation in the rest of lives but also

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 who drop out of high school have that kind of life. There are some who become successful and have their own businesses and make a good living. However, most people who drop out end up having to go back to school later in life because it gets too difficult to live comfortably especially if some have to support a family. In today's society, it is even tougher to make a living without having an education and people who drop out should think again because it only gets harder each and everyday. People today think they can take the easy way out by starting the real world early, but they quickly realize that it is a mistake because reality hits. Life is hard, especially without an education and it is a huge struggle to survive in this world today. Most people today who have to go through the struggle because of dropping out in high school wish that there was a reset button, but there is only one chance and that is why people should not drop out.

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.