Education is one of the most powerful tools we have, both for individuals and society as a whole. At New Dawn Charter Schools, we're focused on making sure each and every person has the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma. This will empower them to achieve their goals in higher education, the workforce, and beyond. In this article, we'll examine the national state of high school dropout rates, then look at how it compares and contrasts to a more local view, specifically at NDCHS.
There has been some good news in recent years on high school dropout statistics. From 2010 to 2021, the nation saw a considerable improvement in high school student retention (with a small dip in 2020 due to the beginning of COVID-19). The national dropout rate in 2021 for students of all ethnicities averaged at 5.2% down from 8.3% in 2010, according to the National Center for Education Studies. Opens in a new browser tab
However, according to the New York City DOE Opens in a new browser tab , the city's high school dropout rate increased by 0.5 percentage points, from 4.9% in August 2021 to 5.4% in August 2022.
It's important to note that those percentages represent a large number of young individuals. The city's school system, the largest in the United States, had 1,047,000 students in 2022-23. So a dropout rate of 5.4% represents about 56,000 young people. For the U.S., with an estimated 16,892,000 Opens in a new browser tab students enrolled, a 5.2% dropout rate represents about 878,000 students. That's a huge number of high school students who won't get a proper education or diploma.
Many factors place students at higher risk of dropping out before graduation, but the most prominent is socioeconomic status. The high school dropout rate in 2014 among persons 16-24 years old was highest in low-income families (11.6%) as compared to high-income families (2.8%), according to a report on "Education and Socioeconomic Status Opens in a new browser tab " by the American Psychological Association. For one thing, schools zoned in lower-income districts receive less education funding, the report said. This can result in poorer educational outcomes all around, particularly when coupled with a lack of resources and family support in the home. Lower-income students typically get the short end of the stick when it comes to educational opportunities.
Language barriers also prove to be a huge risk factor. According to the U.S. Education Department’s Office of English Language Acquisition, data from the 2017-18 school year Opens in a new browser tab showed that New York had the worst educational outcomes for English Language Learners, with a 31% graduation rate.
What are the outcomes for high school students who drop out?
There's no shortage of data that warns about the outcomes for students who drop out of high school. According to one 2016 study by the Journal of Adolescent Health Opens in a new browser tab , high school dropouts were up to four times more likely to experience these individual negative outcomes by age 27:
They're 24 times more likely than graduates to experience as many as four or more negative outcomes.
The evidence also points to lower overall salaries for those who do not graduate from high school. For example, according to NCES Opens in a new browser tab , the median earnings in 2017 for full-time workers ages 25-34 who had not completed high school were $26,000, much lower than the $32,000 for workers whose highest education level was high school completion. Among 25- to 34-year-olds in the labor force, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts was 13%, almost double the rate for those whose highest level of education was a high school credential (7%).
Now, how do Charter Transfer Schools, such as New Dawn Charter Schools, contribute to the battle of reducing high school dropout rates?
Let's start by looking at how the transfer school alternative accountability movement began. In the mid-2000s, one New York charter school, JVL Wildcat Academy Charter School, was being threatened with closure by the state because of claims that their graduation rates were too low to continue receiving funding. Official numbers were showing rates as low as 11%, with only 14 students graduating. Many other charter schools Opens in a new browser tab in the New York school system were being threatened with closure for similar reasons.
But numbers can be deceptive. The percentage was calculated by including only students who were graduating with their 4-year cohorts. State officials were leaving out the much older students who were graduating after their 4-year cohorts. In reality, 93 students were receiving their high school diploma. The charter schools began to push hard for alternative assessments for graduation outcomes, and they now are finding support for that from the Charter School Office Executive Director.
Similarly, in 2021, New Dawn Charter High School – Brooklyn Opens in a new browser tab had 23 out of 81 expected students officially reported by the state as graduated. However, that did not reflect the reality of the success of that class. The school had 54 students who actually walked at graduation, but 31 of them were deemed "too old to count" by the state's standards. A 19-, 20-, or 21-year-old has the exact same claim to school completion as their younger peers, and New Dawn Charter Schools honors that.
NDCHS is committed to supporting every student's academic success. Yet, one of its biggest hurdles is making it clear that the state's official statistics don't reflect the reality of our students over age 18 who are at-risk as "dropouts." Students at transfer charter schools who receive the education that they otherwise wouldn't and proudly step forward in graduation ceremonies represent success, regardless of the official tallies.
New Dawn's very existence as a New York City Transfer School is — in fact — a vital force in improving high school dropout rates in the education system. Its focus remains on reaching, educating and providing opportunities for "at-promise" students (shifting the narrative from "at-risk students"). And it optimizes professional development programs for its educators and administration like The Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA) and Momentum Education.
As a powerful force in alternative education, New Dawn Charter High School changes the trajectory of students who were bound to become another dropout statistic by:
New Dawn Charter Schools operates two New York City Transfer Schools that are designed and dedicated to helping students who have either dropped out or are in-school truants — those who will most likely not graduate with their four-year 9th grade peers. Our first school is in Brooklyn Opens in a new browser tab and our second school opened in Queens Opens in a new browser tab .
If you're interested in enrolling your high school student in New Dawn Charter Schools, find out here Opens in a new browser tab whether they're eligible for enrollment and get your application started today!
Senior year is an exciting time for any high schooler. But in New York, there's one big accomplishment to be achieved, first: passing the New York State Regents Exams. In this article, we'll look at the exam requirements for different types of diplomas, and how New Dawn Charter High School prepares its students to pass these critical assessments required for graduation.
New York State students have access to the local diploma, the Regents diploma, and the Regents diploma with advanced designation. To earn a New York State high school diploma, students must meet both the credit requirements and the assessment requirements. Below, we'll look more closely at the details surrounding required examinations and how to prepare for them.
A Regents diploma is a high school diploma issued in New York State, including New York City. To earn a Regents diploma, students must pass a series of standardized exams called Regents exams in specific subject areas.
Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five exams:
For information regarding credit requirements, check out this info Opens in a new browser tab provided on NYSED's website.
In addition to successful completion of the appropriate units of credit, to earn a Regents diploma with advanced designation students must pass* two additional math assessments and one additional science assessment to include:
* Eligible students may meet the assessment requirements for advanced designation using special appeals Opens in a new browser tab . Students granted an exemption from any examination are not required to pass such specific examinations to meet the assessment requirements for any diploma type (local, Regents, or Regents with advanced designation).
The Advanced Regents Diploma also has a few additional credit requirements, which are outlined here Opens in a new browser tab on NYSED's website.
Typically, you must pass the Regents exams with scores of 65 or higher. But, in certain cases, you can appeal lower scores and still graduate. You may appeal Opens in a new browser tab up to two Regents exams if you get a 60, 61, 62, 63 or 64, and meet the specific appeal requirements set by NYSED.
All students can earn a Regents or advanced Regents diploma. Some students also have the option to earn a third type of diploma called the local diploma. This option allows certain students to graduate with lower exam scores. Some students with severe disabilities can earn the Skills and Achievement credential instead of a diploma. This credential recognizes students’ achievements in academics, career development, and other foundational skills. It is not proof of graduation.
Testing can be a stressful experience for anyone who is aiming for a passing score. While focusing on learning comprehension is your best bet, you can practice these additional tips to help prepare you for the exam.
Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, including the types of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, short answer, essays) and the subjects covered. NYSED publishes specific exam guides and outlines Opens in a new browser tab for each subject, so check those out. Use review books and resources that are specifically designed for Regents exams, which often include practice questions and detailed explanations.
Craft a study schedule that allows appropriate time for each subject and stick to it. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid burnout. Try to prioritize areas where you feel least confident and focus on those first, reviewing key concepts and topics that are frequently tested. Make use of study guides, class notes, and textbooks to reinforce these areas. Once you feel confident with the material, regularly practice with past exams, timing yourself during practice to simulate actual test conditions.
Collaborate with classmates or join study groups to discuss difficult topics and test each other's knowledge and provide moral support. Explaining concepts to others can help reinforce your own understanding.
Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or academic support centers if you’re struggling with specific topics. They can provide valuable insights and guidance, or even alternative study methods or educational resources outside their regular teaching methods. Ask them about test-taking strategies, too.
Get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise regularly, because a healthy body supports a sharp mind. Find hobbies outside of screens, too! You may even want to try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to manage test anxiety and stay focused if you tend to get overwhelmed in high-pressure situations.
Know the date, time, and location of your exam. Make sure you have all necessary materials such as identification, pencils, and approved calculators ready and prepared in advance. You will not have access to your mobile device while testing, and proctors are trained to enforce that rule with vigilant monitoring.
At NDCHS, we aim to provide under-served students with the curriculum, educational materials, and support they need in to complete the necessary coursework for graduation. It follows that we also work rigorously to prepare them for standardized tests required for earning a Regents diploma.
Programming at NDCHS is specifically designed to help over-aged and under-credited students meet graduation requirements. With smaller class sizes and more tailored instruction, teachers are better able to meet the needs of students whose academic performance, behavior issues and poor attendance have previously held them back.
In addition to adherence to NYSED standards in school curriculum, we go above and beyond by implementing a mentorship program. Students are paired with a staff member who schedules regular meetings to discuss their progress. These one-on-one meetings are meant to be a source of encouragement and accountability Opens in a new browser tab for students, as they have someone consistently invested in their academic success.
It goes beyond just student achievement, though. Students who engage in our mentorship program have the opportunity to build strong, healthy relationships with staff members, who can help strengthen their interpersonal skills Opens in a new browser tab and prepare them for the ins and outs of higher education or the workforce.
With educational standards that are designed to help under-credited and over-aged students pass the New York State Regents Exams, NDCHS is committed to making sure its students graduate. If you think your student would be a great fit for New Dawn, check out our eligibility and admissions page Opens in a new browser tab and contact an administrator about scheduling a tour.
