African American Dropout rate in School

African American Dropout rate in School

Introduction

For the last several years, there has been an endless stream of negative reporting about the growing and persistent problems of the terrible rate of high school dropout rates for Black American students across the United States. Of course, it is always important to focus on the most critical problems that beset the quality of life of the African-American community. Certainly, there is no greater challenge than encouraging our young sisters and brothers to stay in school to complete their high school education, and to prepare for their life careers by going on to finish college and graduate school or to enroll in some type of hands-on career training or to start their own businesses that may require special entrepreneurial internship and mentorship (Moonie, 2006).

Background of the research

The purpose of this study is to examine cohorts of African American high school male dropouts ages eighteen years and older who are enrolled in an extended educational program through state sponsored work preparation programs such as Michigan Works. The African American male participants of this study may have encountered some positive and negative changes in their lives after their decision to drop out of high school. This study would allow them the opportunity to share those negative and positive changes that impacted their decision to return the school and complete their high school degree (Moonie, 2006).

This group of African American Male drop-outs has experienced many obstacles and personal challenges over the past few years. Interviewing them and documenting their stories and experiences will help educators understand what types of educational programs that is in need of revisions and changes according to the Michigan Department of Education (2007).

Subject Recruitment

The pool of potential subjects for Phases I and II of this study will be African American male students who are at least 18 years of age and who attended, but dropped out of the case study high school before completing their high school diploma requirements. Since 1989, there have been over 1,300 students who have dropped out of the case study high school. Additionally, the study participants are current enrollees in either the county's General Education Degree (GED) or the Job Readiness Program as a member of Michigan Works. This research has been conducted under the rules and regulations under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Phase I Recruitment

The African American male participants in this study chose to return and complete a graduate equivalent diploma (GED) through a Job Readiness Program through Michigan Works. For this reason, the researcher will work with the Michigan Works program directors to cross-reference the twenty-year roster of district African American male dropouts with the Michigan Works current enrollment in both the GED and Job Readiness programs to find the pool of potential study participants. The Michigan Works directors have identified approximately 230 students who attended the case study high school and returned to get their ...