Number: RS20190
Title: High School Dropout Rate Calculations
Authors: Patricia Osorio-O'Dea, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: High school dropout rates continue to be a major concern in the United States. This report outlines several ways in which dropout rates are measured and reported. Each year the U.S. Department of Education (ED) reports on three dropout rates--a status dropout rate, an event dropout rate, and a cohort dropout rate--that are different indicators of the frequency with which students withdraw prior to completing school. High school completion rates, also reported by ED, as well as regional and state data, and the number of dropouts in the U.S. provide other useful perspectives.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 28, 2002