Increased Dropout Rate No Surprise

The February 8th N&O reported an increase in the Wake County school dropouts. The solution proposed by "educators", to raise the dropout age to 18, demonstrates a complete lack of understanding the underlying causes of dropouts.

The "educators" failed in their responsibilities long before the children reached 16. Many of these children mentally dropped out while still in elementary school, but only stuck around in traditional programs until they reached 16, often being disruptive and taking resources from those trying to learn. Keeping them in school two more years only exacerbates the problem.

The "educators" have to focus more attention on the early school years and develop a curriculum and programs that are more relevant to the potential dropouts.

Basic reading skill in grades one and two is the key. And for those reaching middle and high schools without the basic skills, alternative vocational programs must be encouraged. There is no shame in being a skilled mechanic, nurse, plumber or carpenter. Leaving this training to Wake Tech is too late and means most of the dropouts have been already lost to education.

Trying to solve the problem by legislation is doomed to failure and a waste of money.