The high school completion rate for young adults ages 18 to 24 declined from 86 percent in 1997 to 85 percent in 1998. Among Hispanics, the rate dropped from 67 percent to 63 percent. Fifty-five percent of high school students participated in volunteer activities in 1999, up from 50 percent in 1996. The ability to attract and retain quality teachers is a growing concern among education officials and the public. This is particularly true for beginning teachers as school districts compete for the most talented graduates to cope with increasing enrollments and an aging work force of experienced teachers who are nearing retirement.
Increased salaries are a way to attract and retain a qualified staff.
The percentage of full-time teachers 45 years old or older increased from about 26 percent in 1975 to 43 percent in 1993. Between 1981 and 1989, the salaries of teachers rose. Includes full-time employed bachelor's degree recipients only. Details may not add to 100.0 due to rounding. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, March Current Population Surveys.