The School Dropout Problem

Testimony was given concerning the school dropout problem, including: (1) the number of dropouts; (2) the factors related to youths dropping out of school; and (3) the labor market consequences of youths' not finishing high school. GAO found that the number of dropouts is uncertain because of the varying data collection methods and different groups studied. Data from national and local surveys indicate that about one in four youths do not graduate in the year they should, and the dropout rate for youths from households with low-income, low-skill wage earners, and limited educational backgrounds is about three times the rate of those from the higher end of the socioeconomic scale. The surveys show that youths leave school because of: (1) poor grades; (2) not liking school, (3) marriage or marriage plans; (4) pregnancy; and (5) a preference for work over school. A significant number of dropouts return to school; however, white dropouts are more likely to return and graduate than minorities, and black and hispanic males are more likely to return and graduate than their female counterparts. The labor market opportunities are poor for youths who dropout and those who are employed are in less desirable jobs. Although there are programs which are aimed at dropout prevention, remedial education, and employment-related training, there is little information on their effectiveness.