Dropping Out of School

Position Paper

November 19, 2010

The Last Resort

Entering High School is the beginning of a whole new learning experience not merely about academics, but about life in general as well. Transitioning from Middle School, High School presents tougher classes, more students, and a bigger campus. It also brings higher expectations and heavier responsibilities. Yet it offers a fresh chance to make new friends, try new sports and activities, and really explore who we are as young individuals as well. Sadly, it is sometimes suggested that an education is needless. The popular Pink Floyd song states, "We don't need no education. We don't need no thought control." In fact, more and more students drop out each year. Those who drop out have various reasons, but a student's direct environment is the chief cause in their decision to drop out.

Obviously, the goal for most high school students is to maintain good grades, score well on the SAT test, and keep a positive attitude to eventually be accepted into a college to pursue further goals. Of course, it's not as easy as it sounds, but it is achievable. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to every academic subject. Some students breeze their way through while others live in misery trying to pass their classes. Most of the high school population completes all credits required and go on to graduate with a diploma. However, there is still a significant amount of students who drop out. Some drop out by choice and some have to because they feel there is no other choice. It's a sad reality of society even in this advanced era. It doesn't take much for a troubled student to drop out of school; a little misguidance and a path down the wrong road can hinder one from achieving their high school diploma. There are various reasons linked to dropping out of school and many kids fall into them, yet the main factors of school dropout are home / school stability, school experiences, social behavior, and...