Congressman Rubén Hinojosa Along With Other Democrats Introduces Legislation To Stop High School Dropout Crisis

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) along with other Democratic Members of Congress on the Education and Labor Committee, introduced critical legislation to address the high school dropout crisis. Nationwide, about 7,000 high school students drop out every day. Only about 70 percent of students, across the nation, now graduate from high school with a regular diploma.

This legislation creates a new $2 Billion competitive grant program to improve the nation's lowest performing high schools and middle schools.

"Our nation's "dropout factories" pose one of the greatest threats to our nation's growth and competitiveness. "The Graduation for All Act of 2009" builds on "The Graduation Promise Act" to address the high school dropout crisis by investing in our nation's lowest performing middle and high schools", said Hinojosa.

This legislation would provide school districts clear guidelines on turn around strategies. It will combine rigorous coursework with academic and social support services to encourage students and keep them engaged in school. It will also help schools implement a data system to allow teachers and other school staff to identify students who are at risk and determine what type of intervention is needed to help the students stay in school.

"It is imperative that all of our young people stay in school, succeed, and contribute to our nation's workforce and economy. This is the only way we will remain globally competitive. We must not turn a blind eye to the fact that our minority students have a higher risk of dropping out of school", said Hinojosa.

Schools which receive grants must build a Graduation Improvement Team, including school leaders, teachers, experts and other school staff members and people from the community to help carry out the plan. This will improve academic achievement, increase graduation rates and promote college enrollment and completion.
High schools must also prepare students for college by providing them with full information about financial aid options, developing graduation and career plans and offering classes on a college campus.

"I have spent my years in Congress fighting for the cause that every child in the United States should have a fair chance at a good education. I will never give up that fight, especially for our children in the Rio Grande Valley" said Hinojosa.

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