Although some teens who drop out of high school eventually graduate or obtain GEDS, dropout rates are reliable risk factors associated with teen problem behavior and future economic problems.
Figure WORK 9. Percent of Students Enrolled in Grades 10 to 12 in the Previous Year who were not Enrolled and had not Graduated in the Survey Year
- Drop-out rates peaked in 1980 but declined over the next decade. After 1990, trends for white teens and all teens increased slightly, while trends for Hispanic and black teens increased more unevenly.
- The high school drop-out rate was highest for Hispanic teens. White teens had a much lower drop-out rate.
Table WORK 9. Percent of Students Enrolled in Grades 10 to 12 in the Previous Year who were not Enrolled and had not Graduated in the Survey Year
| 1975 | 1980 | 1985 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5.8 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| White | 5.0 | 5.2 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Black | 8.7 | 8.2 | 7.8 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.6 |
| Hispanic | 10.9 | 11.7 | 9.8 | 7.9 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 6.7 | 10.0 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Trends in the Well-Being of America's Children and Youth: 1997. Table EA 1.4.