Abstract
The paper reveals that there has been a significant increase in the number of high school dropouts in the last decade, especially in the seventeen to twenty-one age group, and looks at several alarming facts related to the increasing dropout rate. The paper considers the consequences of this situation and relates that dropouts will likely become a fiscal burden to the society as they enter adulthood. The paper looks at a number of preventative and remedial measures that can be taken, including a national re-enrollment campaign and preventative measures to ensure that fewer people drop out.

Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Consequences and Responses
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A further aspect to take into consideration in an assessment of the overall situation in the United States is that the dropout rates are not consistent and there are various factors that affect the rate in different areas and regions. A study sponsored the America's Promise Alliance and prepared by the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, states that there is a large difference the drop-out rates in major urban school districts and more affluent suburban districts. "Overall, high school graduation rates are 15 percentage points lower in urban schools as compared to those in the suburbs" (Grey, 2008). There are also differences in the dropout rates for various regions and cities. There are also large disparities in terms of ethnic groups. It has been found that Black and Hispanic students of both genders are more likely to drop out of high school than other groupings. Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League states that this "...dropout crisis is disproportionately affecting America's communities of color"('High school dropout crisis' continues in U.S., study says).
"However, despite the various differences and variables the affecting dropout rates, the consensus from many experts is that in general the increasing rate constitutes a serious crisis for education in the country as a whole. As a former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has said; "When more than 1 million students a year drop out of high school, it's more than a problem, it's a catastrophe" (Grey, 2008). This sentiment is echoed in many studies and reports."

Tags:minorities, re-enrollment

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the problem of the rising dropout rate among minority middle school students. The paper explains that this can be caused by a number of factors that cultivate frustration and develop low self-esteem among minority adolescent students. Middle school students already struggle with self-image issues, but when the added pressure of factors such as low literacy skills, poverty within the home, early pregnancy and low regard for education are also introduced, these students become lost in the system and develop the desire to give up or dropout, thus eliminating their opportunity to break the cycle of poverty by becoming educated and obtaining higher-level, paying employment. The paper examines who can be involved in changing this cycle, including the educators, the parents, and the government.

From the Paper
"The educational sector is under pressure to meet the new federally mandated guidelines of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. Early childhood education has previously been the focus of the national goal that every child will read by the time they complete third grade. Federal and local funding has been poured into primary grade programs and technology in order to meet this national goal. However, very little has been done to face the major problem of addressing the educational needs of minority middle school students to work at keeping them enrolled in school and not dropping out. This issue is important to address since over three million minority students in our nation's middle schools are in serious danger of being "left behind" (Alliance for Excellence Education, 2002). These young people live throughout the country and are the products of all income levels."

Tags:education, pregnancy, poverty, employment

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at research regarding Native-American dropouts from high school. The writer notes that the problems that arose in the process of locating young Native-Americans who had dropped out of school, helped the researchers come to terms with the kind of poverty and depressing environments in which these people lived. The writer concludes that as a nation, America took most of the Indian's lands away from them, placed them on reservations, and now the U.S. allows giant corporations to profit by exploiting and polluting the land the Indians count on for their survival. The writer maintains that this should be a topic in all high schools, especially Native-American high schools.

From the Paper
"In autumn, 1980, high dropout rates among Native-American students in a Montana high school district were so out of proportion with other school districts' dropout rates that a study was needed in order to come to grips with the problem. According to an article in the Journal of American Indian Education, about 60 percent of Native Americans were dropping out before finishing their high school careers. And 90 percent of the students were of Native-American ethnicity."
"In order to conduct what the district believed would be an "empirical" study of the problem, the district partnered with the University of Montana, which set up the research. The method used was to carefully examine the problem, develop instruments for the analysis, develop good techniques for interviewing, reach out to the dropouts and carefully assess the data resulting from the project."

Tags:poverty, students, Indian, crowded, classroom

Abstract
The paper explains in the Fabian tradition why many youths do not complete high school, the reality of vagrant youth and notions of education discouraging others alienated by the present neo-liberal system. The paper includes several comments on the Fabian need to explore social reality and the Marxist gaps in perception according to bourgeois political classes.

Tags:fabian soc, marx/capitalism, pun legislation

Abstract
This paper examines how, in 1989, a law was passed in West Virginia stating that any child younger than eighteen who drops out of school will not be allowed to have a driver's license. It explores how there are many different situations and circumstances that the individual could be involved in which could cause him or her to have to drop out of school, how, oftentimes, these situations are totally legitimate, how some situations are beyond help or control, and how no individual should be punished for responding to them.

From the Paper
"The percent of poverty in the state of West Virginia in 1999 was 17.9% , that is 315,794 people out of 1,801,916 (MapStats). This is a huge number, and many of these people would need to send their children to work in order to help earn money. Some students must thus drop out in order to work and help provide for his or her family. The matter of getting a job instead of attending school is not only a matter of choice, or liberty, but it is also a matter of survival. In this situation, transportation is crucial. If these teenagers are old enough to work, then chances are they are old enough to drive. The job location may be too far to walk, and a license is necessary."

Tags:school, poverty, students, money

Abstract
This report deals with the social and academic problems of students who are dropping out of school by reviewing existing literature on these problems as well as by considering different perspectives on how such problems can be constructively solved. The paper looks at the dropout problem in terms of how teachers and other professionals can communicate with students individually by de-stressing standardized measures and, instead, by emphasizing the role that technology plays in getting students back on track so that they do not drop out and think of their future in society without an education.

From the Paper
"The main problem addressed is that of the dropout problem assumedly among high school students but it is also an issue for college students, particularly freshman but in all grade levels, and testing scores in areas in which the academic focus level of the student population is not as high as it could be in terms of positive motivation for academic achievement, in terms of new NCLB rules, which this report will consider
summarily. This dropout problem can be divided into many specific categories that require a holistic and complete set of solutions. Many observers fear that the future of education in these areas is being compromised by static policies that do not take facing the problem of lower test-scores and learning curves into primary account. "Indeed, we are delinquent if we pass students through the grades and award them diplomas even if they are unprepared for the opportunities and challenges that await them... schools whose students consistently fail... should meet consequences" (Gandal and McGiffert, 2003, p. 41). This is one perspective on the problem that concentrates on punishing schools that do not take the issue of academically struggling students as seriously as they could under strict new NCLB rules."

Tags:measuring, academic, achievements, college, struggling, low, scores, poor, performance

Abstract
This paper researches the topic of high school dropouts, and explores how to intervene prior to students dropping out, how to support students in returning to school after dropping out, and finally how to assist drop outs who prefer to obtain GEDs rather than return to school. The paper reviews possible causes of the problem, and demonstrates ways to intervene at all stages of the process, from at-risk pre-dropouts to post-dropout clean up. The paper includes administrator and staff surveys in Appendix 1.

Outline:
Abstract
Statement of Question
Review of Literature
Methods
Findings
Discussion
References
Appendix 1

From the Paper
"Dorn has written a comprehensive textbook describing the history, from a sociological perspective as to the manner in which the institutions of education have been formed through failed policy to create a system that does not successfully teach students. The work describes the manner in which policies, administrations, schools and even the teachers themselves contribute to the problem of high drop out rates. The work highlights the waves of attention to different policies that have over the years contributed to decreases or increases in drop out rates and why such systems are failing students, even today. Dorn creates a strong case for the fact that statistical and social analysis in the US education system frequently seeks to resolve the problems by oft renewing programs they already know no to have worked effectively and basically always providing too little too late. (Dorn, 1996, p. 128)"

Abstract
This paper discusses the epidemic of students dropping out of high school, and aims to uncover the myriad reasons behind the trend. The paper examines the demographics of dropouts, students' motivations for dropping out, the possible consequences of their decision, and what is being done to prevent future dropouts. The paper asserts that students should be encouraged to stay in school to obtain a diploma, rather than dropping out and opting for a GED; studies show that for some, the chance of school age pregnancy is more likely, as is substance abuse. The paper adds that for schools with high dropout rates, especially in high poverty, high minority areas, school wide reform may be necessary. The paper concludes that it is very clear that school, home, and community collaborations can positively impact students and perhaps help them comprehend the importance of education and the consequences of dropping out.

From the Paper
"The National Dropout Prevention Center details further consequences of dropping out. For instance, it isn't just the individual that suffers from not obtaining a high school diploma; the economy can also suffer from dropouts as well. Over $200 billion in lost earnings and tax revenue is lost for every year's class of dropouts. High school dropouts themselves can expect to earn, on average, approximately $10,000 less than their high school graduating peers. In the workplace today, 80% of adults with a bachelor's degree are employed, 60% of adults with a high school diploma are as well, but only 40% of high school dropouts are currently employed. As far as our nations crime rates are concerned, high school dropouts unfortunately contribute heavily. Of those who are currently incarcerated in prison, 75% are high school dropouts. Those with no diploma are 3.5 times more likely to be arrested in their lifetime. High school dropouts also have a death rate that is 2.5 times higher than those who have 13 or more years of education. These statistics may seem shocking, but dropping out of high school can have such consequences. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that those who decide to dropout are aware of these consequences (http://www.dropoutprevention.org)."

Tags:No, Child, Left, Behind, GED

Abstract
The paper discusses how the American educational system is in dire straits and examines the article "Dropout Nation" by Nathan Thornburgh. The paper argues that the U.S. government lacks detailed action plans and maintains that there are varying interpretations and misinterpretations of dropout statistics. The paper asserts that by neglecting the so-called "silent epidemic," the country may be headed for a disaster wherein the nature's future will end up having more dropouts rather than a well-educated citizenry.

From the Paper
"No matter whose statistics to believe in, the gist of it all is that there is a problem and the problem is here to stay - and unless somebody does something about it, it will not go away but may well increased. Although the Bush Administration came out with the No Child Left Behind program, it is still heavy in rhetoric but lack specific action plans like most political statements. This is evident when: "During his most recent State of the Union address, President George W. Bush promised more resources to help children stay in school, and Democrats promptly attacked him for lacking a specific plan. (Thornburgh, 2006)""

Tags:education, classroom, values, graduate

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that extracurricular activities are found to be vitally important for the healthy development of high school students and in arresting dropouts. The writer discusses that by creating appropriate, engaging, and entertaining extra curricular activities and by involving all the students, schools could not only expect to increase the learning outcomes of all the students, but also make children enjoy the learning process. The writer concludes that there is also a definitely positive correlation between extracurricular activities and retention and academic performance.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Thus regular exercise programs have a direct positive influence and certainly contribute to minimize truancy rates. A more recent student research conducted at the Paramount high school in southern California also confirms the positive results received thus far. The research design was based on a quantitative study measuring the scores on maths; science and language using standardized testing methods. The study involved 25 students forming the control group while the other two groups each constituting 25 students represented those involved in either music or athletics as their extracurricular activity. The test subjects were rated in terms of cumulative GPA, language and Math test scores. The results from the tests showed a significant difference in terms of test scores between students in the control group and those who participated in either music or athletics. In every department participants of extracurricular programs outclassed their non-participating control group test subjects indicating the overall positive effects of extracurricular programs."

Tags:test, programs, schools, performance