Covering the business of education and training

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that:

1.  About 5 in 100 students who entered high school in October 2003, dropped out before October 2004.

2.  6.7% of students dropped out in 1972. 4.7% dropped out in 2004.

3.  Most of the decrease in the dropout rate occurred between 1972-1990, with no significant change since.

4.  Male and female students drop out at about the same rate.

5.  Hispanics are the most likely to drop out - 8.9%

6.  Black students were second most likely - 5.7%

7.  White students dropped out at a 3.7% rate.

8.  Asian/Pacific Islander students were the least likely to drop out at 1.2%

9.  Multiracial students dropped out at a 4.9% rate.

10. Students in low-income households dropped out at a 10.4% compared to high-income households - 2.5%.

11. Students who try to 'stick it out' past the typical high school age, 20-24 year-olds drop out at a 28.2% rate.

12. Western students - 6.1%, Southern students - 5.4%, Northeastern students - 3.8% and Midwestern students 3.1%.

High income Asian kids living in the Midwest seem to have the best shot.

Why can't it be expected that all kids graduate?  

Somehow, the field needs to be leveled for all kids of all income level and race.

What do you think should be done?