Dropout Epidemic

There Is Something About El Sistema

John M. Eger | Posted 04.02.2012

John M. Eger

El Sistema, which doesn't translate well, means simply "the system," a system for giving young, usually poor kids, a chance on living. At first glance it's about music. Getting young people to play an instrument, then joining an orchestra. It is that for sure, but so much more.

Is the Church Saving Souls and Losing Students?

Rev. Romal J. Tune | Posted 05.21.2012

Rev. Romal J. Tune

Churches and other communities of faith in cities where the dropout rates are fifty percent or higher must recognize that students in our congregations are not exempt from this crisis.

Obama's Call to Action: Political Theatrics or Authentic School Reform?

Laura McNeal | Posted 04.07.2012

Laura McNeal

Obama's proposal sends an important message to youths and their families: "You are no longer invisible. We see you, we invest in you and we expect you to contribute in a positive way to yourself and to your future."

Raising the Dropout Age

John Bridgeland | Posted 03.28.2012

John Bridgeland

There are no silver bullets to solve the dropout crisis and blunt instruments often go too far. But when President Obama in his State of the Union address urged states to raise the legal dropout age, we cheered.

Zero "Zero Tolerance": Ending the Real Debt Crisis

Fagan Harris | Posted 10.04.2011

Fagan Harris

The twin threats of mass incarceration and epidemic dropout rates amongst black Americans pose an unparalleled challenge to the country as a whole.

A Civic Marshall Plan

John Bridgeland | Posted 05.25.2011

John Bridgeland

Every student should have a chance at the American dream and the education required to achieve it. We now know who the potential dropouts are. With a focused response, we can ensure that they succeed.

A Civic Marshall Plan for a Grad Nation: A Role for Volunteers?

Shirley Sagawa | Posted 05.25.2011

Shirley Sagawa

Having a sense of purpose is also a key ingredient for student success. If students can connect what they are learning to a positive future for themselves they are far more likely to do what it takes to succeed in school.

Report: 'Dropout Factories' On The Decline In America

AP | DORIE TURNER | Posted 05.25.2011

ATLANTA — The number of so-called "dropout factory" high schools in the United States has declined since 2002, translating into at least 100,000...

Meeting the Dropout Challenge

John Bridgeland | Posted 05.25.2011

John Bridgeland

It is this process of discovery that will propel our efforts to ensure all students get the education they deserve -- and help the nation compete in the global economy.

Is the Wait for 'Superman' Over?

Jasmine Boussem | Posted 05.25.2011

Jasmine Boussem

The superheroes of education all demonstrate an enormous capacity for hard work, determination and resilience -- and this is not always enough.

Teachers on America's Schools

John Bridgeland | Posted 05.25.2011

John Bridgeland

No constituency is more vital in meeting the challenge to increase high school graduation rates and reform public schools than our nation's teachers.

Thousands of Kids Drop Out of High School Daily - How Are We Going to Solve the Problem?

Esther Wojcicki | Posted 05.25.2011

Esther Wojcicki

Almost fifty percent of students in the fifty largest American cities drop out of high school. In some cities, there is over a seventy percent drop out rate. One consequence is an increase in crime and the prison rate.

The Single Best, Most Indispensable Essay on Reforming Education

Dan Brown | Posted 05.25.2011

Dan Brown

We need to understand what pushes these young people out the door, and we need to provide more substantive intervention to more students sooner.

A Scandal More Shameful than AIG and Just as Costly for Taxpayers

Keli Goff | Posted 05.25.2011

Keli Goff

We should be treating America's dropout epidemic with the same measure of urgency, outrage and activism that has spurred us to tackle drunk driving, AIDS Awareness, and even climate change.