A total of 7,318 students dropped out of high school during 2004-05, down from 7,864 dropouts in 2003-04.
(SALEM) - The Oregon Department of Education announced Wednesday that Oregon’s statewide dropout rate for the 2004-05 school year was 4.2%, down from 4.6% in 2003-04.
“I won’t be satisfied until Oregon’s dropout rate hits zero,” Castillo said. “Until then, there is good news in this report: dropout rates for all groups decreased. The greatest drop was for African American students, but all student groups showed decreases. Staying in school is fundamental to student success, and it is important that the rate continue to decline.”
Oregon state law defines a dropout as a student in grades 9-12 who withdraws from school without receiving a high school diploma, GED certificate, modified diploma, or transferring to another school.
Statewide Dropout Rates for 2004-05:
All Students 4.2% (-0.4% change)
White 3.5% (-0.3% change)
Asian 2.2% (-1.2% change)
African American 6.0% (-2.2% change)
Hispanic 8.1% (-1.5% change)
Native American 5.6% (-0.2% change)
Salem-Keizer Dropout Rate Numbers:
Overall: 04-05 - 7.0% 03-04 - 6.7%
South Salem: 04-05 - 5.7% 03-04 - 6.3%
North Salem: 04-05 - 7.2% 03-04 - 7.8%
West Salem: 04-05 - 2.1% 03-04 - 3.0%
McKay: 04-05 - 9.3% 03-04 - 8.6%
McNary: 04-05 – 4.7% 03-04 - 2.4%
Sprague: 04-05 – 2.5% 03-04 - 2.6%
Roberts: 04-05 – 18.1% 03-04 - 28%
The most frequently cited reasons for leaving school were “too far behind in credits to catch up,” “lack of parental support for education,” and “working more than 15 hours per week.” These reasons have been consistent during the last seven years of reporting, suggesting that these are significant factors that affect a student’s ability to stay in school.
Oregon's 2004-05 Dropout Rate Dips to 4.2%, Salem-Keizer Rate RisesSalem-News.com