High School Dropout Research Paper

The national average for high school dropouts has declined over the past decade. Could you imagine walking into class and not seeing your classmates? Well in today’s society this is common across the United States. According to dosomething.org, The dropout rate has fallen 3% from 1990 to 2010 (12.1% to 7.4%), furthermore “Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That’s a student every 26 seconds or 7,000 a day.” Dropping out of high school is a very serious educational problem that will ultimately determine your future. Studies have shown some of the outcomes of dropping out include, both alcohol and substance abuse. Statistics have proven that many of this is brought on by the student 's home …show more content…
One of the problems high school dropouts might face some point in their life is substance abuse. Studies have shown this is scientifically proven. Korsmeyer reports “The findings from the studies that were part of the review suggest that there is a strong link between substance use and dropping out of high school. Not only is it possible that substance use leads to dropping out of school, but also that dropping out of school leads to substance use or an increase in substance use.” My research has lead me to believe this is one of the most difficult parts of dropping out for people. Not only my research, but some of the most prestigious researchers in the United States have found “that dropping out of high school was strongly related to an increased risk of adult-onset alcohol abuse and dependence.” All of these factors are statistics which explain the aftermath of dropping …show more content…
The New York times concludes “the average high school graduation rate in the nation’s 50 largest cities was 53 percent, compared with 71 percent in the suburbs.” For example, nearly 54 percent of incoming freshmen in New York City will graduate high school, but compared to 83 percent of suburban high schools. Although the nation’s graduation rate has steadily improved throughout the years. Many big school districts are able to generate the necessary funds to implement programs to help students. In return, they improved their overall graduation rates over the course of ten years. The New York Times reports “Philadelphia public schools, for instance, raised the graduation rate to 62 percent in 2005 from 39 percent in 1995,” the report said. There is ultimately a difference between the level of education one receives in the suburban area over the city. The graduation gap between the two varies because of the quality of the education the child receives. Overall, it is evident that the mental health and environment of students play a critical role in whether or not they will drop out. Researchers have demonstrated that high school dropouts face problems due to mental stability. It has been proven that students face challenges because of their race. Racial disparities are portrayed in the poverty rate, which affects both the children and even their future. Therefore it is evident that location and area of which