The Class of 2005: High School Dropouts

Los Angeles Times reporter Duke Helfand takes a closer look at California's controversial dropout rate by following the diverging paths of 15 high school students from Birmingham High School.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• PBS
• California
• Connected
• high
• school
• dropout
• dropouts
• education
• Los
• Angeles

[Zelithe]

wow you guys are assholes, i know a few drop outs, they're pretty intelligent and a lot happier with their lives, as strange as it sounds. probably because they don't care about how much money they make and don't have to worry about so much stress that high-income jobs typically bring.

[Deathfromabove5]

Algebra you almost never use it in real life and it keeps people from graduating and moving forward in life

[ihatecandy01]

@MistGFX now imagine having the diploma and a degree with a good personality, you will be livin the good life

[veraluciaxxx]

I am a 7th grade dropout.I was 13 years old,now i am 28 turning 29 in march.I wish i continued going to school.I droped out because of family issues.I regret not going to school,i wish i could turn back time.

[SaRaCeNzzz]

Its pretty stupid that High schools teach shit that never happens in the "The Real World" when all we need to know is basic math and the other misc things that are needed for "The Real World"

[iamismeallright]

people really get their opinion on how smart someone is, depending on their grades?

[ObsidianTeen]

I'm a relatively smart student (AP, a&b average), but I agree that the graduation requirements are bullshit. Not everyone has to be good at math, good at english, etc. It's holding people back.

[MistGFX]

@PrairieFire8 Fuck that, I dropped out second day of 9th grade.... and I'm doing fine, it's ridiculous how some parents kick out their kids at 18. I live with my mom, and have a job at Macy's and get good money. Trust me you don't need GED nor DIPLOMA, you just need to have a good personality.

[PrairieFire8]

@Skeletonwitharaygun No, a high school diploma isn't good for anything if you don't use it to follow a career path. But, if you want to get into a good career you need it or you're screwed. Some classes accept applicants with their grade 10, but they are for shit jobs.

[ilovemesomechicken]

@1974wolfman I agree. I fucking hate school, im not learning shit that i need to know or will ever use. Alot of the stuff is pointless garbage. I graduate this year, after im out IM OUT.