By Suzi Spangler
I don't feel that dropping out of highschool is a very big subject people choose to talk about, and I'm pretty concerned about it, although no one else seems to be. So, I, Suzi Spangler, have done my research about it. Personally, I think dropping out of high school is okay as long as you have plans for the future to get your GED and you're able to drive. Otherwise, you're probably going to live a not-so-successful life. Today, there's tons of teens who are completely fed up with the idea of getting up for school everyday for however much longer until they can graduate. Whether it's the people at the school, too much stress, emotionally/physically cannot get up and attend school, whatever the circumstances for dropping out are. Everyone should choose their own path in life, whatever they wish to do, because nobody can choose how your life turns out besides you. ...What if the parents are holding their child back from making these decisions on their own? Shouldn't they be able to act independently, or can the parent just force you to attend?
High school dropout rates in America for teens 16-24 years old that are not partaking in any kind of schooling, and have not recieved any sort of diploma, range from 10-15% according to statistics from nces.ed.gov in 2012. Would there be more dropouts if these teenagers had the choice completely? Does the parents not allow most of the teens wanting to drop out to actually make that decision? Shouldn't it be OUR decision?
Based on studies from dosomething.org, every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. Thats a student every 26 seconds, or 7000 a day. Most students that dropped out do eventually end up going back to school and working for a GED so they can find a job and support themselves, so why should the parent keep their child from doing so? I feel like more students strive to graduate and do something with themselves, but i find it very likely that their parents convince them to do so, also. Well, dosomething.org shows facts about highschool dropouts, and the rate has fallen 3% from 1990 to 2010 (12.1% to 7.4%) This is definitely a good thing, but sometimes mental sanity is more important than school. If a child is struggling in school and can't handle the pressure and stress, needs to help out and get a job to support the family, etc., they should most definitely think of themselves and do what's best for them at the time. Parents should be very understanding if their child wants to take a different path than they had in mind.
Everyone has different opinions on high school dropouts. Most stereotype them and say things like, "you won't get far in life." or, "you're never going to be successful and make money," which isn't entirely true. Success isn't based off where you went to school or for how long, its based off determination and just wanting to actually BE successful. I was curious to know about some opinions from teachers at my school. So, I've interviewed Ms. Johnson here at Citrus Springs Middle to understand her point of view of dropping out of high school.
"Do you think anyone can be successful even after dropping out?"
"I do believe some students can be successful even after dropping out if they are exceedingly motivated to become so; however, it is very likely that there will be greater difficulties and struggles that will come their way. In the long run it is highly probable that the decision to drop out will have a negative impact on their life. We see the evidence of this in studies and research that indicates that those without a high school diploma earn a much lower income, have higher unemployment, and job satisfaction/enjoyment is lower. Not only that, but, many times, their options are greatly limited on what types of jobs might be available to them. Sadly, large numbers of drop outs also contribute to the jail population and those on public assistance. Those that drop out and become wealthy, successful, and feel fulfilled in their life’s work are the rare cases. I’m certain that the greater majority of drop outs regret their decision (even if they have become very successful) and would encourage others to avoid it and finish their education. Bottom line: yes, the potential for success is possible even if a student drops out, but the obstacles facing them are extremely difficult to overcome.
"What are your thoughts on the subject?"
"My thoughts on the subject: STAY IN SCHOOL!!"
"Would you ever allow your child to drop out?"
"Do you think dropping out is considered okay?"
"If your child wanted to drop out, would you let them or hold them back from doing so?"
"As a general rule, I don’t believe it is okay to simply drop out of school and leave your education unfinished. If I had a child that wanted to drop out, I would do whatever was necessary to prevent that from happening. I would do everything I could to find a solution to the problem as to why he or she wanted to quit school. I believe open communication and working together to solve the concerns that were presented would be key in helping him/her decide to stick it out and finish. No reason is ever good enough to justify quitting before you finish."
I don't feel that dropping out of highschool is a very big subject people choose to talk about, and I'm pretty concerned about it, although no one else seems to be. So, I, Suzi Spangler, have done my research about it. Personally, I think dropping out of high school is okay as long as you have plans for the future to get your GED and you're able to drive. Otherwise, you're probably going to live a not-so-successful life. Today, there's tons of teens who are completely fed up with the idea of getting up for school everyday for however much longer until they can graduate. Whether it's the people at the school, too much stress, emotionally/physically cannot get up and attend school, whatever the circumstances for dropping out are. Everyone should choose their own path in life, whatever they wish to do, because nobody can choose how your life turns out besides you. ...What if the parents are holding their child back from making these decisions on their own? Shouldn't they be able to act independently, or can the parent just force you to attend?
High school dropout rates in America for teens 16-24 years old that are not partaking in any kind of schooling, and have not recieved any sort of diploma, range from 10-15% according to statistics from nces.ed.gov in 2012. Would there be more dropouts if these teenagers had the choice completely? Does the parents not allow most of the teens wanting to drop out to actually make that decision? Shouldn't it be OUR decision?
Based on studies from dosomething.org, every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. Thats a student every 26 seconds, or 7000 a day. Most students that dropped out do eventually end up going back to school and working for a GED so they can find a job and support themselves, so why should the parent keep their child from doing so? I feel like more students strive to graduate and do something with themselves, but i find it very likely that their parents convince them to do so, also. Well, dosomething.org shows facts about highschool dropouts, and the rate has fallen 3% from 1990 to 2010 (12.1% to 7.4%) This is definitely a good thing, but sometimes mental sanity is more important than school. If a child is struggling in school and can't handle the pressure and stress, needs to help out and get a job to support the family, etc., they should most definitely think of themselves and do what's best for them at the time. Parents should be very understanding if their child wants to take a different path than they had in mind.
Everyone has different opinions on high school dropouts. Most stereotype them and say things like, "you won't get far in life." or, "you're never going to be successful and make money," which isn't entirely true. Success isn't based off where you went to school or for how long, its based off determination and just wanting to actually BE successful. I was curious to know about some opinions from teachers at my school. So, I've interviewed Ms. Johnson here at Citrus Springs Middle to understand her point of view of dropping out of high school.
"Do you think anyone can be successful even after dropping out?"
"I do believe some students can be successful even after dropping out if they are exceedingly motivated to become so; however, it is very likely that there will be greater difficulties and struggles that will come their way. In the long run it is highly probable that the decision to drop out will have a negative impact on their life. We see the evidence of this in studies and research that indicates that those without a high school diploma earn a much lower income, have higher unemployment, and job satisfaction/enjoyment is lower. Not only that, but, many times, their options are greatly limited on what types of jobs might be available to them. Sadly, large numbers of drop outs also contribute to the jail population and those on public assistance. Those that drop out and become wealthy, successful, and feel fulfilled in their life’s work are the rare cases. I’m certain that the greater majority of drop outs regret their decision (even if they have become very successful) and would encourage others to avoid it and finish their education. Bottom line: yes, the potential for success is possible even if a student drops out, but the obstacles facing them are extremely difficult to overcome.
"What are your thoughts on the subject?"
"My thoughts on the subject: STAY IN SCHOOL!!"
"Would you ever allow your child to drop out?"
"Do you think dropping out is considered okay?"
"If your child wanted to drop out, would you let them or hold them back from doing so?"
"As a general rule, I don’t believe it is okay to simply drop out of school and leave your education unfinished. If I had a child that wanted to drop out, I would do whatever was necessary to prevent that from happening. I would do everything I could to find a solution to the problem as to why he or she wanted to quit school. I believe open communication and working together to solve the concerns that were presented would be key in helping him/her decide to stick it out and finish. No reason is ever good enough to justify quitting before you finish."