Commentary; Posted: 7/10/02

State drop-out rate can be better

The high school graduation rate is one measure of a school systemís effectiveness. In Minnesota, 79 percent of high school students graduate on time, based on the class of the year 2000.

Minnesotaís method of tracking those who graduate on time is not comparable to studies in other states, making comparison difficult. Minnesota studentsí completion rate is believed to be above the average compared to other states.

Of the 20 percent who did not graduate on time, 10 percent dropped out and another 10 percent continued their education.

In Sherburne and Anoka counties, the percentage of students not graduating on time is listed as a concern in the report put out by the Childrenís Defense Fund of Minnesota.

Based on data from 1997-2000, Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Isanti, Sherburne and Washington counties graduated fewer students on time than the average Minnesota county. Mille Lacs Countyís on-time graduation rate was about average with the state and Houston County schools fared better than average.

According to the state-wide study, one in five students or 21.5 percent did not graduate on time in 2000. The figures for high schools in Twin Cities counties included: Anoka,19 percent; Chisago, 10 percent; Dakota,16 percent; Houston, 6 percent, Isanti, 11 percent; Mille Lacs, 11 percent; Sherburne, 17 percent; Washington,13 percent and Wright, 9 percent.

Whatís alarming is the 10 percent of Minnesota students who dropped out of the Class of 2000. Childrenís Defense Fund authorities say that students who drop out of school are three times more likely to slip into poverty as adults than those who finish high school.

High school principals say students drop out for all kinds of reasons. During good economic times, students discover they can earn good incomes without having to have a high school diploma. Others find school is not relevant, while others believe they can return and eventually get their degrees.

Another major factor is poor attendance. Students miss classes, fall behind, get low grades, become discouraged, get involved with chemicals and drop out. One said if students are in school they will pass.

Mentoring programs can affect the truancy rate. A recent study by the Big Brother/Big Sister program, showed that mentored students reduced their number of skipped classes by 37 percent.

The Childrenís Defense Fund says these drop-out numbers can be improved. Studies on truancy show that children at risk of dropping out can be detected as early as third grade where early intervention can help.

Alternative schooling is another way students, who cannot adjust to a traditional school, can continue their education and graduate.

While Minnesota school systems compare favorably with other states, a drop-out rate of 10 percent is still too high, considering the disadvantages of students who do not have a high school diploma.

ó An opinion of the ECM Editorial Board. This newspaper is part of ECM Publishers, Inc., Coon Rapids.

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