McDowell's dropout rate declines

Data collected for the 2008-09 school year has indicated a statewide drop in school crime and violence, dropouts and suspension, according to a press release from the state Department of Public Instruction.
The report showed some improvement in McDowell's numbers as well.
There was a greater than 10 percent decline in McDowell dropouts. In 2007-08, 123 students dropped out; but only 110 in 2008-09. Statewide, the trend was similar, with a 14.5 percent decline in dropouts on the year.
That's not a fluke, according to the DPI data. The dropouts have trended down almost unbroken for years: 157 dropouts in 2005, 127 in 2006, a rise in 2007 with 144 dropouts.
Boys are far more likely than girls to leave school without graduation in McDowell. Of 2009's 110 reported dropouts, 71 were male and 39 were female. Boys were more likely to dropout throughout the state, according to the DPI statistics.
There was even a decline in what the state calls "reportable acts of violence and crime" between 2008 and 2009. There were 23 acts -- 12.5 per 1,000 students -- in McDowell in the 2007-08 school year, but only 22 -- 12.1 per 1,000 students -- in 2008-09.
The reportable acts are defined in a 1993 state law that requires school to report certain incidents, including most violent crimes but excluding assault that does not involve a weapon and does not result in serious injury. In other words, the figures do not count a fistfight in the cafeteria. It also counts non-violent crimes like bomb threats, arson or possession of intoxicating substances.
State Superintendent June Atkinson said declines in crime and violence will tend to precede declines in dropout rates.
"We know that students who avoid crime and violence and the consequences that go with such behavior are more likely to stay in school and graduate on time," she said.
The DPI also credited declines in both short term and long term suspensions with encouraging kids to stay in school.
"In general, higher suspension rates can lead to higher dropout rates as students realize they are behind in their academic progress and lose hope of catching up," read a report from DPI's Web site.
In 2008-09, McDowell had 688 short-term suspensions (10 days or fewer), four long term (more than 10 days) and 2 expulsions. IN the previous year, McDowell had 775 short-term suspensions, 13 long-term suspensions and no expulsions.
In 2008-09, the dropout rate decreased to 4.27 percent from 4.97 percent in the prior year. Eighty-four percent of all school districts demonstrated a decrease in dropout rates. A total of 19,184 high school students dropped out in 2008-09.
The DPI stated that the annual high school dropout rate is the lowest ever recorded in North Carolina.
Among other factors, the DPI credits ninth-grade academies as successful in addressing dropouts. The idea of designating West Junior High as a ninth grade academy in conjunction with adopting a middle school format for McDowell has occasionally been discussed in School Board meetings, but the idea has not gained much traction.
The state report also credits smaller school settings, the Positive Behavior Support program, opportunities for credit recovery, and alternative learning opportunities for students who are at-risk.
Ninth-grade males are especially at-risk in all three categories. American Indians and African American males were more at risk of committing crimes and of being suspended from school. Male students account for 59 percent of reported dropouts.