The Silent Epidemic
Breaking the Silence
It has been called the "silent epidemic" because the numbers are staggering and yet, for decades, have escaped public scrutiny. Consider that...
- Every 29 seconds another student gives up on school, resulting in more than one million American high school students who drop out every year
- Nearly one third of all public high school students—and nearly one half of all African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans—fail to graduate from public high school with their class
- There are nearly 2,000 high schools in the U.S. where the typical freshman class loses 40 percent of its students to dropouts by their senior year
America's "Silent Epidemic" is taking an immense toll on our communities and our economy. Dropouts are much more likely to experience personal hardship, be dependent upon government assistance, or end up in jail. Their earnings will likely be much lower than high school graduates and far lower than those who go to college. Worse yet, children of dropouts are more likely to become dropouts themselves, which perpetuates the tragic cycle.
The "National Summit on America's Silent Epidemic" sparked a "call to action" mobilizing communities around the nation to act more effectively to keep students in school and on track for success. There is a sense of urgency and purpose behind efforts to reduce dropouts.
The solution begins with knowing your school district's true, on-time graduation rate. Because inaccurate graduation rates have historically masked the magnitude of the problem, this new knowledge is a wake-up call for many communities.
Accurate accounts of students who dropout and students who successfully complete the coursework requirements are helping communities to marshal concrete steps that can be taken at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college and work.
Together we can and are making a difference. Join us in ending America's silent epidemic.
