Over a decade ago, Oregon introduced high standards for what students needed to know to succeed in school, at work and in life. Since then, graduation rates have improved and dropout rates have decreased. But taking a closer look at the situation reveals the need for more attention to how we are doing on keeping students in school.
| ONE YEAR DROPOUT RATES, 2005-06 |
| All Oregon students |
4.1 percent |
| White |
3.3 percent |
| Black |
6.4 percent |
| Latino |
8.4 percent |
| Asian/Pacific Islander |
2.7 percent |
| American Indian/Alaskan Native |
6.6 percent |
The figures above include all students who drop out in a single year. Over a four-year high school career, the cumulative effect is greater. Based on a four-year projection, the Oregon Department of Education estimates the statewide dropout rate for all students is 13.7%.
The one-year dropout rate for Latino and African American youth is more than twice the rate of white students. A persistent achievement gap is a major factor contributing to the disproportionate number of students of color dropping out.
The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research gave Oregon a “lowest-in-the-nation” score for high school graduation (along with eleven other states), because only a third of Oregon students earn a diploma in four years. This rate does not include students who may complete their secondary education through an equivalency exam or community college. Nevertheless, the data raise concerns regarding the quality of high school education. And for those students who complete high school, what is the value of the diploma they are earning? Graduation is no guarantee of college readiness or adequate preparation for jobs in high-performance, high-growth industries that are the core of Oregon’s economic future.
|
