[MCP] black and hispanic failure rates in public ed

[vincent saetta]

Throughout most of the school districts in urban areas of the U.S., Black
and Hispanic student dropout rates are enormous.  As much as 50-70% of the
9th graders dropout before they reach the 12th grade.  These figures are
consistent in such cities as NY, Boston, Detroit, Chicago, etc.

When reviewing dropout profiles in the suburban school districts, however,
although dropouts are still highest for Black and Hispanic students, the
rates are much lower, approximately 15-30% depending on the school
districts.

1.  Why are the dropout rates so high in the urban school districts for
these two groups?
2.  Why are the dropout rates still higher for these groups than any other
group in the same      school districts?

I know these are very big questions and the answers are complex and
multidimensional, please voice your opinion by stating what you believe are
the most important variables.

Thank you,

Dr. Vincent
Professor
Mercy College
Bx., NY