Dropout factors

A study conducted by Civic Enterprises in association with Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and published in March 2006 looked at the dropout pandemic by going straight to the dropouts themselves and asking why. The research, entitled "The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Students," was based on 450 racially diverse 16- to 24-year-old dropouts from 25 locations with high dropout rates. Among the findings:

Interest: Nearly half reported dropping out because they lost interest. 69 percent said they didn't feel challenged, inspired or motivated to work hard, and 70 percent of those people believed they could have graduated had they tried.

Financial: About one-third of respondents cited personal reasons such as becoming parents or financial needs.

Discouraged: About one-third also reported having been held back, with most doubting they ever could have met the requirements for graduation.

Parental involvement: Nearly 70 percent of the respondents said their parents became more involved only when they became aware their child was on the verge of dropping out.

Conclusion: Improving curricula, making school relevant and building a climate that fosters education are necessary to help students work toward graduation. The authors also suggested raising the compulsory age to 18 in conjunction with school changes.