Highlights of the 1994-95
Report on Texas Public School Dropouts

Goals in Law

• Through enhanced dropout prevention efforts, all students will
  remain in school until they obtain a high school diploma (TEC Section 4.001).
  
  
• Target is to reduce the annual and longitudinal dropout rates to five percent or
  less by the 1997-98 school year (TEC Section 39.182).

How many students drop out?

• 29,918 students in 1994-95
  
  
• 1.8 percent annual dropout rate
  
  
• 10.6 percent longitudinal dropout rate

Who drops out and why?

• 76 percent are overage for grade
  
  
• Males drop out more than females
  
  
• Hispanics make up the greatest proportion of dropouts
  
  
• Reasons cited for leaving include poor attendance, entering non-state-approved
  GED programs, and pursuing a job

Are they leaving certain districts?

• Largest enrollments--greatest departure
  
  
• Lower student performance--higher dropout rate