School Dropout Problem Hinders U.S.

Compared to students who graduate, those who drop out of school have a greater chance of being unemployed, going to jail or receiving public aid — they also are not expected to live as long, Reuters reports.

The 30 percent dropout rate in the U.S. has remained stable for decades, but it's a crucial problem for the individual and the economy that education and business leaders aim to fix. At many urban schools, that dropout rate can be 50 percent or higher.

With the Department of Education shelling out $4 billion in its "Race to the Top" program, many school leaders hope to get their hands on grants to support alternative schools.

Often seen as a last chance for floundering students, alternative schools use non-traditional curriculums, and the smaller classes sizes allow teachers to give each student special and specific attention.

The U.S. ranks 19th in high school graduation rates, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, a few points below the OECD average. Germany ranked first.

Education officials are not the only ones contributing in the effort to stem the dropout problem. Groups such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Colin Powell's America's Promise Alliance have put money toward programs aimed at bolstering public schools, Reuters noted. Companies such as AT&T have contributed, and other businesses have stepped up to help build or staff schools.

The business community has a stake in lives of graduates because without a trained workforce, the economy will suffer. According to Reuters, a recent study estimated 1.2 million American high school students drop out of school each year — more than half of 16- to 24-year-old dropouts face joblessness as low-skill jobs disappear.

"There's an awareness in the business community that it needs a higher skill level for its employees, and we won't get there with the dropout rate," said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education think tank.

For the complete story, visit www.reuters.com.