Facts and Effects of the United States Drop-Out Rate

Natalie D. Ruffin

Technology Teacher

P.S. 98

February 12, 2013

Intro –

What are the facts, data, and statistics pertaining to the U.S. Drop-Out Rate? Background information on students who drop out of school is alarming! Knowledge is power, so please read the following factual information very carefully. Students who drop-out of school and do not earn a high school diploma will face many more problems and challenges than those who graduate. They are more likely to be unemployed, have poor health, live in poverty, be on public assistance, and be single parents. Research indicates that a quarter of the nation’s teens don’t finish high school. As a result, they go on to earn less money and require more public assistance than high school graduates. Your research for this assignment will enlighten you to the realities of being a drop-out and the awareness, importance, and advantages of completing your education.

Task –

· Students will collaboratively do extensive research to find out information and facts on the effects of drop-out rate in the United States of America

· Student will present their information and findings to the class in a Power Point presentation

· Students will be graded based on the assigned rubric

· Students will debrief with the teacher after receiving their grade for feedback

Process/Resources

Students will research and find factual information about the drop-out rate in the United States of America. This research will include the statistics, the reasons, prevention (effective or non-effective), feasible and progressive solutions. The web quest methodology will be used. Hyperlinks will be included. However, students may find, use, and indicate hyperlinks as well.

· Students will work together collaboratively (in groups) to complete a web quest

· Students will collaboratively research and compose their research notes to guide and support their research. This research can include the Internet, on-line articles, journals, books, interviews, videos

· Each group will designate a group leader, a recorder, a person to create the Power Point presentation and other positions as needed

· Each group will create a Power Point presentation that includes data, facts, and findings about the drop-out rate in the United States

· Students will do a visual/oral presentation Power Point presentation explaining their findings and data to the class

Pertinent Websites

· http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=16

· http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_scr.asp

· http://boostup.org/en/facts/statistics

· http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/index.asp?HasSearched=1&searchcat2=subjectindex&L1=226&L2=3

· http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/china-debuts-top-international-education-rankings/story?id=12336108

Evaluation

· Students will use an evaluation sheet to critique their classmates

· Students will be graded using the attached PowerPoint Rubric

Conclusion

• Student will participate in an open forum to discuss their findings and voice their personal opinions about the drop-out rate and why it is an epidemic
• The discussion will include why they think students drop-out of school, their ideas, and solutions for the problem
• Students may further expand by collaborating to start a volunteer peer support group in their school, or an on-line support blog to encourage their peers to stay in school until they graduate

Standards

· Common Core Standards alignment

Email address: natalieruffin@aol.com