Did the policy of retaining low-scoring students contribute to the decline in the high school dropout rate?
Maybe. The Consortium calculated the chances that 13 year-olds would drop out by the time they turned 17. Students who were 13 in September 1994, before the policy was enacted, faced a 29 percent chance of dropping out by age 17. That percentage dropped to 25 percent for students who were 13 in September 1998. This decline likely is due in part to the fact that students generally are entering high school with higher test scores. However, researchers cite other possible factors: An increase in the number of courses needed to graduate. Taking a more challenging course load increased the number of credits students earned and kept them on track for graduation. Changing demographics. Students’ average economic status increased, which tends to lower dropout rates. New magnet high schools. Selective schools attracted more high-achieving students. A probation policy. To avoid sanctions, schools needed to improve achievement. A drop in the teen pregnancy rate, a national phenomenon. Did any of
