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 Torlakson. "Those years are vulnerable years for many students, especially if a student loses hope, gets off track or falls behind."

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He noted that dropping out is the culmination of a problem that probably has been building for years. Students who are behind in reading skills by the third grade, or non-native speakers who don’t make the transition from Spanish to English, can fall increasingly behind in all their subjects. And even among eighth-graders, there is pressure in some families to earn money rather than stay in school.

Another issue that makes the problem acute is the recruitment of students at risk of dropping out by gangs. Gangs are reaching out to students by the eighth grade if not well before, he said.

“Dropout stats convert to prison stats,” Torlakson said.