http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/education/20graduation.html?ref=todayspaper
Sam Dillon
Summary
This article discussed the issue of the rate of high school dropouts. When schools were told to report the percentage of graduating students, they gave percentages in the 80’s. Later on Washington got stats that gave a different outcome; the school’s accurate percentage was in the mid 60’s. Many schools were giving higher stats because of their embarrassment. This pattern went across many of the states as well. Stats conclude that only 70% of American students who go into the ninth grade actually graduate. The No Child Left Behind law was also brought up throughout the article. This law states a way in improving children’s learning, making sure that all students continue each year with their academic pattern. But there have been some comments on it that say that even though this law might help students yearly, it doesn’t mention anything about school completion goals. Now many states are making goals for their rates to increase. Many students are dropping out early though making it seem that the school’s graduation rate is higher, but there has been an alternate diploma, the General Educational Development diploma for those who drop out before the 12th grade.
Reactions
--This article fits the theme of cultural, religious and intellectual developments. I would put it in this theme because the article talks about the development of this new plan in making sure that American students are graduating and getting a good education.
--The high school drop out crisis has become a larger issue in America over the years. Each year about a third of our students drop out of school before graduating. It has become known that our economy and jobs rely on a well educated person. If the rate of dropouts are increasing then our economy is in for a bumpy ride.
--Sam Dillion, the author of this article is a well educated woman who graduated from George Washington University with a law degree. From this, one knows that she is an intellectual. It seems that much research has been done to complete this article, and her words seem very convincing and true. I don’t see much bias in this article but she might have over emphasized the fact that so many students are dropping out, it might make it seem worse than it really is.
--I would have liked to hear from a student in 12th grade who is planning on graduating so see his/her point of view on their own experience with their peers dropping out, if it is a big deal or if it doesn’t occur too often within the school. I would also like to hear from one of the dropout students to hear why they dropped out, how they are planning their future with little education.
I thought that this article was well researched and well written out. I was able to relate to this topic because I am a high school student and am thinking about my future and going to college. I was very surprised to see that so many students are dropping out. I really think that the schools need to do something more serious about this issue, but on the other hand, I think that it is really up to the students to decide, this is their future and if they want to make that decision then that’s their choice. However, I think that those students who are thinking about dropping out should have another push from the school to show them that going on with their education will really help them in the future.
1 comment:
I agree with Noelle. The schools should definatley do something about high school dropouts. It is their decision, but the wrong decision will affect the rest of their lives. It will be difficult for these students that have dropped out to make a living with such little education. Nicely done =]
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