Dropout rate falls at Alleghany High

Although the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports an increase in the high school dropout rate in the state, the number of dropouts in Alleghany has decreased, according to information released Jan. 31 by the department.

The Department of Public Instruction defines a "dropout" as a student who was enrolled at some time during the previous school year; was not enrolled by day 20 of the current school year; has not graduated from high school; has not transferred to another school, nor is not temporarily absent due to a suspension, "school-approved" illness, or death.

Since the 2000-2001 school year, the number of dropouts in the county has fluctuated, according to reports. Of the aforementioned years, the school system reported the most dropouts during the 2004-05 school year, with 25 and a rate of 5.36. In comparison, during the 2005-06 school year, the number dropped to 13, and a rate of 2.69. According to reports, the 13 students attended the local high school. Information in the report noted during the 2000-2001 school year, there were 15 dropouts for a rate of 3.61; 13 during 2001-02 for a rate of 3.16, 15 during 2002-03 for a rate of 3.54, and 17 during the 2003-04 school year for a rate of 3.85.

Meanwhile, from a state standpoint, a total of 22,180 students in grades nine through 12 dropped out of school during the 2005-06 school year, for a rate of 5.04.

Speaking of the dropout rate, Superintendent Jeff Cox commented, "We've identified the dropout rate as one of our primary concerns after we saw an increase in the 04-05 school year." He noted members of the high school staff, as well as administration and guidance counselors were brought together to discuss strategies to keep students in school and on track for graduation.

"Keeping kids in school is not enough if they aren't passing their classes and achieving credits toward graduation," Cox added. "(The) high school staff really doing everything they can to talk to that child, his/her parents and anyone else who has influence over that student to try to figure what we can do to keep that child in school." Cox noted the school system has had some success with online courseware, NOVANET, which allows students to make up credits that would allow them to stay on track toward graduation.

"I'd like to commend the high school staff as well as our central office staff for their relentless efforts in keeping all of our kids in school," Cox stated. "We continue to rely on parents to help us relay the message to students that it's critical that they complete high school."

Neighboring Counties

In neighboring areas, Elkin City Schools show the least number of dropouts, 15, for a rate of 3.78. During the 2004-05 school year, the school system reported 10, for a rate of 2.61.

The neighboring school system that reported the most dropouts during the 2005-06 school year was Wilkes, reporting 189 dropouts and a rate of 6.14. The number shows a decrease over the 2004-05 school year, when Wilkes reported 223 dropouts and a rate of 7.14.

The number of dropouts increased over last school year's numbers in Surry County.

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