Dropout Rates

Every year students enter the ninth grade with the expectation of earning a diploma four years later. Many of those entering ninth grade will earn a diploma, but many will not. In 2002-03, the five top reasons students identified for dropping out of high school were:

• Lack of parental support for school
• Too far behind in credits to catch up
• Working more than 15 hours per week
• Dysfunctional home life
• Frequent discipline referrals

The ODE tracks dropout and graduation rates and reports them annually in the publication, Graduates and Dropouts in Oregon High Schools. Graduation and dropout rates also are reported in the state, district and high school report cards.

Note: ODE is currently changing survey methodology from an aggregate reporting system to collecting the data by individual student record. ODE expects to have the high school completion and dropout rates for 2003-04 calculated by May 2005. In the future, reports should be produced each December.

For information about graduates and dropouts, including the Dropout Manual and graduates and dropouts reports go to the ODE Web site.

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