The document discusses the issue of dropping out of high school before graduation. It notes that around 1 million students fail to graduate each year. Students who drop out often regret it later in life, as they are more likely to earn less money, be imprisoned, be in poorer health, remain unmarried, and be less happy. Unemployment rates are also much higher for dropouts - only 32% of dropouts look for jobs, while 65% of high school graduates and 84% of college graduates are employed. The document argues that current laws allowing students to drop out before age 18 are not strict enough and dropping out is a major mistake that limits future opportunities.

1. Just a Minor Drop Out?
By: Isabella Wheeler

2. As of today:
▪ One million fail to
graduate each
year
–Current System
–Future Regret
–Lack of Jobs

3. Current Situation
▪20 states and DoC = 18 years
▪11 states = 17 years
▪16 years for the rest

4. Future Regret
▪ You could EASILY graduate
▪ 74%WISH they stayed in school
▪ Earn less money
▪ More likely to be imprisoned
▪ Less healthy
▪ Unmarried
▪ Less happy
▪ Better for your country

5. Unemployment
▪ Very few jobs available
– 32% look for jobs (drop out)
– 52% males employed (drop
out)
– 38% females employed (drop
out)
– 65% high school grads
employed
– 84% college grads employed

6. Why should you care?

7. In the end…
▪ Current stances and laws are not strict enough
▪ Dropping out under 18 is a huge mistake that you
will regret
▪ There will not be a job for you
▪ You have bright futures with endless possibilities
ahead of you, don’t let your talents go to waste!

8. Bibliography
▪ "The University ofTexas at Dallas." Researchers Say Students Should Stay in
SchoolUntil Age 18. 05 Apr. 2016.Web. 05 Apr. 2016.
<http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/1/30-21791_Researchers-Students-
Should-Stay-in-School-Until-1_article.html>.
▪ "Silver Chips Online : Pro/Con: Should MCPS Raise the High School Dropout
Age from 16 to 18?" Should MCPS Raise the High School Dropout Age? Silver
Chips Online, 05Apr. 2016.Web. 05 Apr. 2016.
<http://silverchips.mbhs.edu/story/11484>.
▪ "Editorial: 16 IsTooYoung to Quit School in New Economy."
USATODAY.com. 05 Apr. 2016. Web. 05Apr. 2016.
<http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2012-02-
14/dropout-high-school-16-18/53096824/1>.
▪ Wolfgang, Ben. "Mandating School until 18 Has Pitfalls." WashingtonTimes.
The WashingtonTimes, 05Apr. 2016. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.