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Hispanic Dropout Rate Raises Concern About Possible Unschooled Population

Posted byHoumanitarian

(Silvia Struthers, Houston Chronicle)
Houston’s Hispanics are dropping out of school at an alarming rate and only a small group is going on to college, creating a daunting problem for a city that is 40 percent Hispanic and growing. If it’s not addressed, Houston risks having a swelling, uneducated population that could undermine city’s economic future.

Individually, it translates into lower wages, lack of health care coverage and more limited employment opportunities. Collectively, it translates into less consumer spending, more demand on social services and fewer skills to support the city’s economic growth.

Christy Diaz, 20, is similar to many dropouts in that she felt pressures both at home and school when she left in the 11th grade. Her parents were separating and she was absent too much. “I just started to give up,” she said. After leaving school, Diaz worked as a receptionist at a real estate company, a secretary for a welding company and a waitress at a Chinese buffet. She’s had opportunities for better jobs, but her lack of education stood in her way.

“People ask me, did you get your GED, did you get your diploma? I say, no. All I can do is put my head down. It is depressing,” said Diaz, who did go back for her GED.

Half of the city’s Hispanics over age 25 lack a high school diploma, compared with 26 percent overall, according to recent census data. Only 10 percent of Hispanic adults have gone to college, compared with 28 percent for the city as a whole.
(Read the full story at the Houston Chronicle)

Related: How To Count ‘Leavers’ Troubles State, School Districts (Houston Chronicle)

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