Plugging Leaks in the Education Pipeline

Abstract

Washington, D.C. (February 2007) – State and national lawmakers are realizing the devastating costs of students leaking out of the education pipeline. A recent Texas report estimates that the average cost to state taxpayers for each high school dropout is somewhere near $377 million over the course of a lifetime. Other studies have found that tax revenue may be short-changed by the number of students who halt their educational pursuits after high school.

“This research brings into sharp focus the disastrous results of not embracing bold steps to reform our public education system,” said Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education in a recent Associated Press article. “No society can long prosper under the weight of so many children lost.”

Some are advocating for inventive changes in the way students progress from kindergarten through college, hoping to retain as much talent in their state along the way. Here are some innovative plans that have recently been proposed or enacted around the country that use some form of student aid in an attempt to plug the education pipeline leak.

Originally published for distribution by state associations throughout the country.