CEEP Policy Chat Series to Discuss High School Dropout Rates in Indiana: [unit], Indiana University at Bloomington

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Last Updated: Mon, Nov 6, 2006

CEEP Policy Chat Series to Discuss High School Dropout Rates in Indiana

Nov. 14, 1:30 p.m., Indiana Memorial Union, Dogwood Room, Bloomington -- In April 2006, Time Magazine helped heighten awareness of the high school dropout crisis that persists in America in an article titled "Dropout Nation."

The article examined the significance of the dropout crisis by spotlighting students from Shelbyville High School in Indiana . The crisis has been one that educators have been researching for decades, but only recently with the heightened media attention has public debate been renewed. According to the article, approximately 30 percent of public high school students will not graduate and the figure spikes for poor and minority students. The Center for Evaluation and Education Policy will host a discussion on high school dropout rates prevalent in Indiana and the nation as a part of the CEEP Policy Chat Series. Principal Tom Zobel of Shelbyville High School , who was cited in the Time article, will be on hand to speak about his experiences with the high school dropout crisis. Shawn Sturgill, a student of Shelbyville High School, profiled in the Time Magazine article, will accompany Zobel. Indiana State Rep. Luke Messer, who represents the Shelbyville area and is the author of comprehensive dropout prevention legislation, will also participate as a panelist. Superintendent Tom Edington of the Richard-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation will add a more localized perspective on the issue. Commissioner Stan Jones of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education has also been invited as a participant. The panelists will discuss both the social costs of the dropout crisis and the benefits of students graduating with a diploma. Other questions of concern will be addressed, such as:

What motivates students to dropout of high school today?
What are the consequences of dropping out of high school for the individual and the social costs for taxpayers?
What are the public cost benefits if students graduate?
How do we combat the problem locally?
What is being done at the state level to establish proactive programs and punitive consequences to motivate students to stay in school?

Dr. Russ Skiba, director of the Equity Project at CEEP, will act as moderator. All students, faculty, staff, media personnel and community members are welcome to attend.