Bill targets dropout rate

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A local lawmaker’s bill before the Alabama Legislature could soon make it harder to drop out of school.
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, introduced a bill last week that would raise the dropout age from 16 to 17. It would also require students joined by at least one parent to meet with a school administrator before they can dropout of school. The goal is for the administrator to provide information about the ramifications of not having a high school diploma, as well as requiring the student to sign a document verifying they recognize the consequences. Students who complete the exit interview will receive information on job training and employment.
Orr said keeping students in school is crucial for Alabama’s future.
Orr’s bill would have the Alabama Department of Education would monitor dropout rates and execute special programs for schools with a rate above 30 percent.
According to last year’s Annual Yearly Progress reports, Hartselle posted a 90 percent graduation rate. Morgan County’s graduation rate was 78 percent.
The state goal is 90 percent.
Orr said a 2008 report from the Southern Education Foundation places Alabama between 42nd and 47th in the nation for the number of students who complete high school. In 2000, some 25 percent of all adults in Alabama did not have a high school diploma.
The high dropout rate is hurting Alabama’s economic future, Orr said.
The Foundation study shows Alabama high school dropouts earn only 29 cents for every dollar earned by a college graduate.
Alabama currently funds graduation coaches in 25 high schools. Orr said the state must do more.