The Achievement Gap Has Its Cost

2/16/2006

By Staff

The value of staying in school is substantial for a student -'" but it's important for the New York economy, as well.

A high school dropout today will earn a projected $260,000 less over his or her lifetime than a student who receives a high school diploma, according to Michael Rebell, executive director of The Campaign for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University.

"The cost to both the individual -'"and to society -'" is enormous," Rebell said. "Increasing the high school completion rate by a mere 1 percent for men ages 20 to 60 could save the U.S. up to $1.4 billion per year in reduced cost from crime."

This article, written by Sylvia Saunders, appeared in the February 16th, 2006 publication of the New York State Teacher Edition.

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