Eighth-grade dropout statistics released by state for first time
A typically overlooked corner of the dropout problem became a little more visible Thursday when state officials for the first time released the dropout rate for eighth-graders.
Statewide, about 3.5% of eighth-graders -- 17,257 in all -- left school and didn’t return for ninth grade, according to the state count. Of those, about 4,200 dropped out during the academic year of eighth grade; more than 13,000 finished eighth grade but didn’t show up for ninth grade, the traditional beginning of high school.
"That transition from middle school to high school is crucial," said state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom