In comparison to the national average?70 percent?Kansas? 89 percent high school graduation rate might seem cause for celebration.
The graduation rate does not, however, tell us the number of students who start the ninth grade, but don?t finish, or the number of students who drop out, said Elaine Johannes, Kansas State University Research and Extension youth development specialist.
?Dropping out of school is a loss for a child and his or her community,? she said. ?Drop-outs typically have fewer employment opportunities and face increased health risks, and choose risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use?and crime.?
Dropout rates may seem higher in more densely populated urban areas, yet rural areas are not immune, Johannes said. Several factors may be involved, she said.
Such is the case for one central Kansas high school student whose frustrations in the classroom were later attributed to undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder.
The Kansas DropINs program is based on the premise that needs vary?there isn?t a one-size-fits-all cure?and that youth should be involved in resolving issues that lead to dropping out of school, she said.
?Children need to see a role for themselves, learn about opportunities and build skills that will help them succeed in life,? Johannes said.
For more information, go to www.kansasdropins.org.
