The Dropout Rate

We had a science department meeting this past week and one of the topics was our student dropout rate, which is above the state average. The principal would like ideas about how to reduce the rate.

Unfortunately that is a million dollar question. The federal government seems to think that the wholesale firing of teachers in schools that don’t become perfect is the solution. The department of education seems to think that requiring students to complete a battery of tests as well as three years of math through geometry and algebra II will help provide a solution to the problems of education. This emphasis on academics has not been without a decreasing emphasis on physical education classes (more fat kids) and tech education (fewer carpenters and plumbers).

The middle school philosophy is a great help. Spend three years developing a high esteem in each and every student at the expense of any substantial academic achievement. That way when they hit high school and academics are the focus, the self esteem inflation gets shot to hell when reality hits and students have to perform to advance. Too many students end up losing their self confidence and taking the “I am a loser attitude”. Or they do not accept the reality and responsibilities of high school, thinking they can be successful without it.

I have a number of students who will make no attempt at completing any in class or out of class work or assignments. They don’t just exhibit this behavior in science. It occurs in all of their classes. They have no explanantion for the behavior. They discuss the situation politely and then continue the behavior. Some come to school because of the courts saying they are required by law to be in school. Some try to go to job corps, thinking it is better than school for some reason. They can’t say why it is better. They just see it as some sort of a better alternative to what they are doing.

Some of these students are into drugs and incapable of making any sort of intelligent decision. We can hope they will turn their lives around but unfortunately many of them never do. However, once in a while I get through to one of them and that makes it all worthwhile.

They all want to live “the good life” but don’t necessarily want to work for it. Many of them just can’t make the connection between success and work.

Two hours ago I went to the front door and a former student wanted to say hello. He was in my science class five or six years ago and showed me almost no effort. But he had a bad situation at home and was living with relatives. When he asked me for a job, I hired him part time for a summer and worked with him on various projects. I treated him like an adult and gave him my trust. He was a responsible worker. The following school year he disappeared from school (dropped out) and I lost track of him.

Tonight he told me he has a good job where he is respected by his boss and has been employed for three years. It is a position with the possibility of advancement. He has his own place, pays his bills on time, and has benefits. He isn’t interested in getting a G.E.D. or any sort of diploma. He doesn’t need it right now and can always get one at some future time if he changes his mind. He likes the work and has job security.

Like I said before, the ocassional success makes it all worthwhile.