Focus Article Stresses Importance Of Dropout Prevention Against Backdrop Of New Testing

2/13/2002

From: Liselle Yorke of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 202-789-6366; E-mail: lyorke@jointcenter.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 -- The pressure to meet the accountability benchmarks set in the new education bill may cause schools to slacken efforts against dropout, according to an article in the January/February 2002 issue of FOCUS magazine. In "Dropout Prevention Vital in Education Programs," author George Cave explains how the exclusion of dropouts, who tend to be low-achieving students, boosts overall student test scores.

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Keeping students in school is especially important Cave argues because while the GED high school equivalency program has given dropouts an avenue into the job market, they still earn considerably less than their counterparts who graduated from high school. In addition, high school provides opportunities to learn the "soft skills" or "people skills" that studies show are crucial for young workers. Pointing to falling high school graduation rates, Cave argues that in determining rewards or punishments for schools, incentives to reduce dropout should be given as much weight as incentives to raise test scores.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African Americans and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within the minority, business, and other diverse communities. For information, please visit http://www.jointcenter.org