4 Troubled Teens Blog

Researchers with academic organizations in Massachusetts and Illinois have determined that the United States is in the throes of a "dropout crisis" that requires national attention. A May 5 article on the CNN website reported that the problem is particularly profound among male and minority students:

In 2007, 16 percent of U.S. residents between 16 and 24 years old were high school dropouts, said the report by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago, Illinois. Among the dropouts, 60.1 percent were men, 30.1 percent were Latino and 18.8 percent were black.

"Because of the widespread, pressing nature of the crisis and the large numbers of young people who have already dropped out, a national re-enrollment strategy should be a fundamental part of America's national education agenda," the report says.

Experts estimate that an average high school dropout can expect to earn between $400,000 and $500,000 less than an average graduate will over the course of their working lives (between the ages of 18 and 64).

Labels: dropouts, education, high_school

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Last summer, tragedy rocked a close-knit southern Indiana community when a high school student shot and killed a police officer before turning the gun on himself. In response to this incident - and the fact that the teenager who committed these acts was facing marijuana possession charges - the decision was made to implement drug testing in the town's high schools. The proposal has been met with opposition by students and parents.

"When classes begin in August, parents will be offered free take-home drug testing kits through the school, and not surprisingly, students are overwhelmingly opposed. But students aren't the only critics of the bold measure, which some parents believe is not only excessive, but also misguided."

The concern is that students will be so fearful of punishment that they won't admit to having drug-related problems, nor will they seek help. Instead, parents would prefer that the schools focus on education and prevention. Source: Louisville (Kentucky) Eccentric Observer

Labels: marijuana, high_school, drug_testing

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A high school in Peoria, Illinois, has reached an agreement with a local health center to have the center begin random drug testing of the school's students in the upcoming academic year. Each week, Tazwood Mental Health Center will test a minimum of ten Morton High School students who are involved in extracurricular activities.

"Students are eligible for testing throughout their four years in high school. If they decline, they have to sit out extracurricular activities for one year. Police will not be notified of a positive drug test, but a student will be subject to the penalties imposed in the appropriate athletic or activity code."

Parents will also be notified and Tazwood will offer on-site substance abuse counseling services two to three days a week. Source: Peoria Journal Star

Labels: high_school, drug_testing, extracurricular_activities

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In Calhoun County, Michigan, teen pregnancy is considered an epidemic. It ranks the fourth highest of Michigan's 83 counties for teen pregnancies per capita.

"Teen pregnancy is a complicated thing, [Pat] Horton said. 'It's not just about genitals...It's understanding that teens, especially girls, are looking for respect, love and commitment. Some want to be pregnant, thinking a baby will bring those things, he said."

Unfortunately, many of them are left to care for their babies alone, when the fathers decide they're not ready to be parents. Less than one-third of moms who have their first children before 18 ever earn a high school diploma. Just 1.5 percent earn a college degree before they turn 30. Read more BattleCreekEnquierer.com.

Help for parents of troubled teens can be found at ByParents-ForParents.com. Find articles, resources, and a forum to connect with other parents.

Labels: teen_pregnancy, girls, high_school

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