Dropout Rate
The high rate of student dropouts in Los Angeles Unified School District frequently has been blamed on overcrowding, boring classes, incompetent teachers and the general failure of the district to provide for students. However, a statistical report published by the district [and dated Feb. 13] suggests another interesting reason: Parents take their children out of school and do not tell the school where the students are going. Of the 13,714 senior high dropouts in 1995-96, 74% simply left without leaving any forwarding information. This large group is made up of 66% Hispanic students, 19% black students and 15% all other students.
What happened to the parents’ responsibility to the schools? Parents are quick to enroll their students but apparently do not bother to let the school know when their children, for whatever reason, will no longer attend. I find it hard to believe that these 10,000-plus students are wandering the streets of Los Angeles and have no parent or guardian who knows what they are doing.
MEDA LUBLINER
West Hills
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