Teens who drop out of school are more likely than their graduating counterparts to be unemployed, on public assistance, and be involved in criminal activity. For the state to prosper socially and economically, we need an educated and skilled workforce. Drop out rates and NH's drop out policies are changing, but how, and with what impact?
Below, the graph shows how the Center and the state Department of Education have measured dropouts since 2001. Even though the Center estimates almost 350 more students dropping out of high school in 2008 than the Department of Education reports, the decline in dropouts overall is good news for New Hampshire.
Figure 1 (Click On Figure)
As the graph highlights, the number of high school drops-outs in the state has declined from one in four students to almost one in seven. The exact reason for this decline is unknown, but has been attributed to many dropout prevention initiatives implemented since 2002, such as the APEX project.
In a further effort to reduce the number of high school dropouts, as of this coming school year, the drop-out age in New Hampshire has been raised to 18. But, requiring that these students remain in school is not necessarily sufficient to guarantee graduation. Additional services for this student population will be needed to support this goal. However, with the current state budget crisis potentially causing local governments to cut school funding, the looming question is whether the supports for this population will be in place to maximize the potential for success. Or, will this policy merely cause a delay in the inevitable?
For more of the Center's work on drop-outs, click here.
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