Staff Report
Published June 23, 2011

More than 800 fewer students dropped out of state high schools in 2010 than in 2009, according to a new report from the S.C. Department of Education.

The decrease during 2009-10 was the second consecutive year of lower dropout numbers, the department reported. Since 2007-08, the state’s total high school dropouts have decreased to 6,265 from 8,032 — a 22% difference.

State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said the lower dropout rates are a critical step toward higher on-time high school graduation rates, which he views as a key measurement of success for the entire K-12 system.

The dropout rate also is closely watched by business developers and chambers of commerce as an indicator of the adequacy of the future workforce.

“We have to make certain that kids stay focused and engaged from the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation,” Zais said.

The 2010 dropout report found improvements in all demographic groups.

Some selected figures:

Source: S.C. Department of Education Report on Student Dropout Rates