Dropping out of high school is related to a number of negative outcomes. Among adults age 25 and older, a lower percentage of dropouts are in the labor force than are adults who earned a high school credential. Similarly, among adults in the labor force, a higher percentage of dropouts are unemployed than are adults who earned a high school credential In addition, dropouts age 25 and older reported being in worse health than adults who are not dropouts, regardless of income. Dropouts also make up disproportionately higher percentages of the nation's institutionalized population. This book builds upon a series of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports on high school dropout and completion rates that began in 1988. It presents estimates of rates in 2012, provides data about trends in dropout and completion rates over the last four decades (1972-2012), and examines the characteristics of high school dropouts and high school completers in 2012. This book also discusses federal policy, programs, and issues related to high school graduation, completion, and dropouts. The discussion covers the provisions enacted in federal law that govern the definition, calculation, and reporting requirements of these critical high school outcomes.

The book then looks at historical data as well as the most recent indicators of these outcomes. That analysis is followed by a description of the federal programs designed to help youth who have dropped out, or who are at risk of dropping out, in completing high school or an equivalency certificate program. Finally, the book discusses issues that may arise as Congress considers reauthorizing the laws that pertain to this topic.