Study: High School Dropout Rates Dropping Off

(Nov. 30) -- Finally, a positive piece of news in the often gloomy world of education in the United States: A study released today suggests that the nation's fight to reduce the number of high school dropouts may be turning a corner.

The report shows that the American graduation rate increased from 72 percent in 2002 to 75 percent in 2008. It also says that the number of so-called "dropout factories" -- high schools where only 60 percent or fewer of freshmen make it to senior year -- fell 13 percent over the same time period. In 2002 there were 2,007 dropout factories, compared with 1,746 in 2008.

"The United States is turning a corner in meeting the high school dropout epidemic. For the sake of our young people, society, economy, democracy, and even national security, it is not a moment too soon," Colin and Alma Powell wrote in a letter included in the report.

America's Promise Alliance, a nonprofit founded by the former secretary of state and his wife, released the study along with Civic Enterprises and Johns Hopkins University's Everyone Graduates Center.

The report, titled "Building a Grad Nation," found the greatest decline in dropout factories in the South, which accounted for 216 of the 261 schools that changed their status. Texas alone turned around 77 schools.

Meanwhile, Tennessee and New York were the most successful at increasing graduation rates – Tennessee by 15 percent and New York by 10 percent. Only three states, Arizona, Utah and Nevada, saw decreases in graduation rates.

"Ending the dropout crisis is within reach," John Bridgeland, the CEO of Civic Enterprises, said in a statement. "We now know why students drop out and what can keep them on track."

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Not everyone is as optimistic. Daniel Losen, an education expert, told The New York Times that the report "might be a bit on the rosy side." And, if high school graduation rates are to reach the goal of 90 percent by 2020, states will have to increase their improvements fivefold, according to Education Week.

Some will have help from the Education Department, which announced today that it will provide an unprecedented amount of aid to help turn around high schools, The Washington Post reports. The government has slated $3.5 billion to help 730 struggling schools through its 2009 economic stimulus plan, and 48 percent of the recipients are high schools.