Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1958-07-31
School Drop Our
Figure is Falling
BY a Staff Reporter


their education in Montgomery high schools to-
day than there were in 1851, the year that 16 be-
came the age limit in Maryland for compulsory
education.
Since 1851, the percentage of pupils who drop
out after they reach 16 has been steadily de-
creasng.
The board of education code for this age
group of dropouts is 'W-S" which includes those
students who, with their parents, decide that
school attendance is undesirable or Improbable.
'W-S' also includes students for whom the
school can offer adequate program and edu.
Gators feel that continued attendance is undesr.
able.
In 1852, the total enrolment in grades
seven through II was 1871, the number of WIS.,
PSI or 249 percent 1928, II 1872 enrolment 244
or 2.14 percent; 1953-54, 1878 enrolment, 214 or
165 percent; 1954-55, 1877, 238 or LIST percent;
1886 17404, 268 or 154 percent; 1867, 1887,
278 or 142 percent; 1888 1885, 2S4 or 100
percent
School officials feel definite need for a
scientific study of these 16 years ODDS: the
reasons for their leaving, and what it takes
to keep them In school,
Until such study never before made in the
county school officials only have individual
theories on the reasons for the decline in drop.
outs since 1851.
An educated guess" is that the schools
are offering more programs and cOunseIng
to help students unable to get anything out of
regular class work.
Whether the day will come when all students
complete the l2year course before leaving school
is uncertain In fact in the minds of some educa-
tors there is even a question whether this is
desirable
Substituting work experience for school
learning may be better solution they feel for
small number of students each year.
OF three other classifications of drop-outs
special cases of children under 16 allowed to leave
with permission of the superintendent also show
decline in percentage since 1851
In practice this code, "W-5" is used for chill
dren withdrawn because of special and unusual
individual problems or inability to function in the
school program for reasons other than health or
mental deficiency Permission is only granted
after all possible resources have been explored.
In 1852 there were % such cases or 81 per.
cent of the enrolment. In 1888 there were %
cases or .13 percent
The percentage of students quitting school
because of marriage has varied over the years
The law does not require the withdrawal of a
pupil for this reason but in many cases the taking
on of other responsibilities, the adjustment prob.
lens growing out of marriage, irregular attend.
ance, etc, result in the student leaving school,
Classified as WIZ" students who left after
they were married in 1852 numbered 81 or
80 percent; 1928, 80 or % percent; 1854 Al
or 80 percent; 195i.55, 80 or 90 percent 1886
80 or % percent; 1867, 81 or % percent 1857
So, 81 or % percent
The percentage of children in the fourth
classification or will" has increased in the past
four years although the number is actually very
small.
In practice this code is used for children under
16 where unusual and extreme economic need in
the family makes withdrawal from school neces.
sary for the welfare of the child or the family.
Each case must be thoroughly investigated and
approval given through the superintendent
office