The article says the dropout rate has been approximately 30% for two decades.
"dropout rate has been approximately 30% for two decades."
There is within every generation a segment of society that refuses to excel. Doesn't matter what you do or say, the motivation isn't there.
It amazes me that you are not allowed to have a sip of beer until you are 21 yet you can freely drop out of school at 16. Which has worse long term consequences? An American without a high school diploma has no value in the job market. None. He/she will be competing with illegal immigrants for unskilled jobs that the illegals will be able to do for less money and higher productivity. Parents who allow their kids to drop out of high school are relegating them to a hard, hard life.