Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That’s a student every 26 seconds – or 7,000 a day.
Jaden Smith’s parents are well-connected, multi-millionaire celebrities. He and his well-known siblings have starred in movies, released hit albums, and traveled the world on private jets with private tutors. This past September, 15 year old Jaden Smith took to Twitter and proclaimed that “If Everybody In The World Dropped Out Of School We Would Have A Much More Intelligent Society”. Jaden has privileges and opportunities that the majority of American students do not and I couldn’t agree with that declaration any LESS! I do believe that the United States public school system is broken, however!
According to the Official Jaden Twitter account, “School Is The Tool To Brainwash The Youth.” I agree that schools are not teaching critical thinking skills and encouraging individuality. Not only are many students graduating high school without the skills to succeed in college or the workforce while others are dropping out of school early because of discrimination, intimidation, and an inability to connect school to the real world. Curiosity and innovation should be encouraged throughout life but many schools are simply failing our youth but I believe in education. I selected our tagline “The World Is Your Classroom” because I believe that education happens every day and everywhere. Learning should not be limited to the classroom. I understand and support homeschooling and other educational models that encourage exploration and self-directed learning.
What Would Really Happen If Everyone Dropped Out Of School?
The truth is that high school drop outs are less likely to be gainfully employed. Without in-demand skills and a favorable network, they are at higher risk of becoming young parents, poor health, imprisonment, homelessness, and long-term dependency on public assistance.
- A high school dropout will earn $200,000 less than a high school graduate over his lifetime. And almost a million dollars less than a college graduate.
- According to Alliance for Excellent Education, if the dropouts from the nation’s class of 2011 had graduated, the U.S. economy would benefit by about $154 billion dollars over their lifetimes.
There is some merit to Jaden’s thinking but I disagree with his delivery method because impressionable youth are watching!
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Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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