Superintendent Payzant announces reduction in drop-out rate

Q and A  Boston Public Schools 1999-2000: Student Dropout

This document presents answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about student dropout in the Boston Public Schools. As defined by the Massachusetts Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, a student is considered to be a dropout at the end of the school year if he or she is not in school, has not graduated, and has not transferred to another school system. Each such student represents a lost opportunity both for the student and for the schools.

How Have Systemwide Dropout Rates Varied Over Time?

• The annual rate analysis answers the question, "How many students in grades 9-12 drop out in one year?"
• The 9th-12th grade annual dropout rate in 1999-2000 (8.3%) represents a decline from the previous year but is above the low point of 7.0% (1995-1996).
• Dropout for grades 6-8 (not shown) increased to 1.1% in 1999-00; the lowest point had been 0.4%.