Did You Know?
More Info
In the current global economy, having at least a high school diploma is a critical step for avoiding poverty, and a college degree is a prerequisite for a well-paying job. Americans without a high school diploma have considerably lower earning power and job opportunities in today's workforce.
- By 4th grade, Black and Latino students are, on average, nearly 3 years behind their White and Asian counterparts.
- 89% of Latino and 86% of African American middle and high school students read below grade level.
- Of all African American fourth-graders, 58% are functionally illiterate.
- Nationally, about 71 percent of all students graduate from high school on time with a regular diploma, but barely half of African American and Hispanic students earn diplomas with their peers.
- Nearly 3 out of 10 Latinos, including recent immigrants, were dropouts (27.5 percent).
- More than 1 in five Blacks drop out of school (21%). The dropout rate for whites is 12.2%.
- Dropout factories (public high schools) produce 69% of all African American dropouts and 63% of all Hispanic dropouts, compared to 30% of all White dropouts.
- Both academic and social engagement are integral components of successfully navigating the education pipeline. Research shows that a lack of student engagement is predictive of dropping out, even after controlling for academic achievement and student background.
- A caring adult can act as a personal anchor, helping high school students stay on track. The adults in a school community can mentor students, offer emotional support during hard times by acting as the student’s advocate when conflict arises in school or at home, or provide opportunities to pursue a special talent or interest.
