Oregon's 2004-05 Dropout Rate Dips to 4.2%, Salem-Keizer Rate Rises

A total of 7,318 students dropped out of high school during 2004-05, down from 7,864 dropouts in 2003-04.

(SALEM) - The Oregon Department of Education announced Wednesday that Oregon’s statewide dropout rate for the 2004-05 school year was 4.2%, down from 4.6% in 2003-04.

“I won’t be satisfied until Oregon’s dropout rate hits zero,” Castillo said. “Until then, there is good news in this report: dropout rates for all groups decreased. The greatest drop was for African American students, but all student groups showed decreases. Staying in school is fundamental to student success, and it is important that the rate continue to decline.”

Oregon state law defines a dropout as a student in grades 9-12 who withdraws from school without receiving a high school diploma, GED certificate, modified diploma, or transferring to another school.

The most frequently cited reasons for leaving school were “too far behind in credits to catch up,” “lack of parental support for education,” and “working more than 15 hours per week.” These reasons have been consistent during the last seven years of reporting, suggesting that these are significant factors that affect a student’s ability to stay in school.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Henry Ruark October 6, 2006 7:55 pm (Pacific time)

C/Life: Did not mean to imply we did home-schooling as you did--knee/deep all the way ! I was classroom teacher at time and we made sure to add as much as we could. Mostly it was my own joy in writing and then moving to reporter, editor, publisher, consultant, with the kids all in print and then tv. I have great admiration for home-schoolers, but common school has great benefits too for socialization and other areas where parents are not able to do as well as you obviously have. DO appreciate your points and does help since working on media project with OrDeptEd now where home-learning means so much more via computer and WorldWideWeb.

ChooseLife October 6, 2006 7:09 pm (Pacific time)

I am glad you homeschooled your kids too. It's so much better than government schools that don't succeed in teaching. What I do see are parents who are at wits end and don't have the moral support or financial where with all to accomplish what they so very much and dearly want for their children. We homeschooled all three of our children and they get tested every year instead of every three years in the government schools. They consistantly test in the 80's and 90's percentiles in every subject. They work about 2 hours a day instead of 6 and it's so easy. They converse with adults as easily as other kids and actually challenge older kids in academic questions. Socially, they are adjusted well beyond their years. Educationally, far more advanced than their peers and the biggest benefit is we give them our values not the governments lack of values. I believe if we gave parents a fighting chance, they would respond to the positive outcomes of home educating and be so very happy as we are. Did you have the same wonderful experience with your children?

Henry Ruark October 6, 2006 1:59 pm (Pacific time)

C-Life: You're obviously right kind of parent and person...wish many others were as thoughtful and sensitive. I agree with fine strengths of home-schooling...how do you think all four of my sons landed "in the media" ? Daughter is struggling youg artist, too...mirroring my weaker characteristics. Mother BCR was original activist in this family, from whom I'm still learning even tho she's now gone...watch Op Eds for more you triggered off for me, needs saying and you've helped much.

ChooseLife October 6, 2006 1:32 pm (Pacific time)

It costs $7000 per child, per grade k-12 to "educate". I'm sorry but if had that much money for my 3 kids, we'd have month long educational field trips to anywhere in the world, upgraded laptops every year for each kid, cutting edge brain development training and fun! Do you not see, even now in the face of overwhelming government school failures. Try to understand my side and I'll listen to you. But are you saying there is NO value to homeschooling? That parents should give up trying to teach their kids knowledge and values that can only be imparted by their unique loving care? We give unearned tax credits to those who don't make enough money, meaning they don't pay taxes; they get money for telling the government they don't make enough. What about giving each family the money that would be used for government schools. Let them be held accountable for proving educational expenses just like businessmen can claim mileage and meals and trips for business purposes. Or do you support the government in it's worst money grab ever?

Henry Ruark October 6, 2006 11:27 am (Pacific time)

C-Life et al: Wait till friend Saxton slashes 10 percent more, then you WILL see school falure. Fact is nearly every school board operates around 4-6 percent administrative costs, better than most small and large businesses. Free teachers to teach instead of supervise 20 percent too many kids, give them modern media and minimum help...and then see what happens. Hastened been that way in education for twenty years.

Chooselife October 6, 2006 12:38 am (Pacific time)

Almost 10% of McKay and 20% of Roberts! Your tax dollars at work? Gladys you should run far and fast away from Hollywood High. Get somewhere safe where you can learn. The one's who are not dropped yet are barely hanging by a thread and they are your friends. Government schools are a disaster and we need to wake up!

Gladys Geraldine Estrada October 5, 2006 12:24 pm (Pacific time)

Im 17 a senior at Hollywood High School we have this Project call the senior project we get to do a power point precentation we present our subject anything of our intrest and mines was HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS. Im glad people actually want to do something about all those student that are droping out if we work together we can help a student graduate! : ] .......

[Return to Top]

Oregon's 2004-05 Dropout Rate Dips to 4.2%, Salem-Keizer Rate Rises

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News