Drop out rate for middle and high school students

Trend Data

EDUCATED
- IMPROVE School Performance
GOCF outcome indicator: drop out rate
for middle and high school students
Although students who drop out of school normally do so during high school, students can show signs early that might suggest eventual drop out.

Georgia Drop Out Rate: Grades 7-12

2.95 2.9
2.85 2.8
2.75 2.7
2.65 2.6
2.55 2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

Data Source: Governor's Office of Student Achievement, 2010.
Academic, social, and behavioral disengagement normally occur prior to high school. By the time students transition to high school, those who are at risk of dropping out may need intensive individual assistance or other supports to re-engage them in the purpose of education. Administering disciplinary recourse for students who are disengaged many times serves to reinforce their negative feelings towards education and school. However, students do not always drop out strictly because they feel isolated at school; schools that exhibit dysfunctional protocol or practices, lacking in student stability and support, can discourage students from completing school.

Each year more than half a million young people drop out of high school. Nearly 40% of eventual high school dropouts can be identified in the 6th grade, and 75% can be identified by the
9th grade. Dropouts contribute only about half as much in taxes as do high school graduates. They draw larger govern-
ment subsidies in the form of food stamps, housing assistance, and welfare payments. They have a dramatically increased chance of landing in prison, and they have worse health outcomes and lower life expectancies.
Data Sources: "Dropout Prevention." US Department of Education, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance Institute of Education Sciences, 2008. American Youth Policy Forum, 2008. University of Georgia Child and Family Policy Initiative, 2010. Georgia Department of Education, 2010.
May 2010