By Roy Johnson Click here for PDF version.
This study examines regional trends in Texas on the number and percent of students lost from public high school enrollment prior to graduation with a high school diploma. A comparative analysis of 1985-86, 2005-06 and 2006-07 attrition rates in Texas’ 20 education service center* (ESC) regions shows that eight Texas regions have persistently higher rates of losing students from public school enrollment.
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IDRA releases its annual attrition study in the October issue of its newsletter. Attrition rates are an indicator of a school’s holding power, or ability to keep students enrolled in school and learning until they graduate. IDRA has used the same methodology since its inaugural statewide study in 1986. IDRA conducted Texas’ first-ever comprehensive statewide study of high school dropouts using a high school attrition formula to estimate the number and percent of students who leave school prior to graduation. The study in 1986 was the state’s first major effort to assess the school holding power of Texas public schools. The annual attrition studies since then include county-level data by race and ethnicity. Trend graphs of high school attrition in each Texas county are available online.
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In general, the rate of students lost from high school enrollment prior to graduation with a diploma has not improved significantly, and the number of students lost has increased. Eight education service center regions had higher attrition rates in 2006-07 than they did in 1985-86, and 15 had a higher number of students lost to attrition in 2006-07 than they did in 1985-86. Data in this study help to answer questions on regional trends on attrition rates and provides geographical comparisons among ESC regions (see Exhibit 1).
In its inaugural comprehensive study of school dropouts in Texas public schools completed in 1986, the Intercultural Development Research Association in its Texas School Dropout Survey Project found that attrition rates ranged from a low of 21 percent in ESC Region 5 (Beaumont) to a high of 43 percent in ESC Region 1 (Edinburg), compared to the state average of 33 percent (see Exhibit 2).
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Exhibit 2: 1982-83 and 1985-86 Enrollment,
1985-86 Attrition in Texas Education Service Center Regions
|
|
ESC Region
|
1982-93
9th Grade
Enrollment
|
1985-86
12th Grade
Enrollment
|
1982-83
9th Grade
Enrollment
|
1985-96
9-12th Grade
Enrollment
|
Students
Lost to
Attrition
|
Attrition
Rate
(%)
|
|
Region 1 (
Edinburg
)
|
15,251
|
9,891
|
45,208
|
51,619
|
7,523
|
43
|
|
Region 2 (Corpus)
|
7,893
|
5,708
|
28,302
|
28,680
|
2,291
|
29
|
|
Region 3 (Victoria
|
4,227
|
3,195
|
15,659
|
15,289
|
932
|
23
|
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
52,203
|
34,461
|
168,587
|
176,898
|
20,315
|
37
|
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
7,285
|
5,597
|
26,836
|
26,038
|
1,471
|
21
|
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
8,104
|
5,651
|
27,026
|
28,372
|
2,857
|
34
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
11,269
|
8,724
|
39,876
|
42,187
|
3,198
|
27
|
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
3,970
|
3,035
|
14,687
|
14,830
|
974
|
24
|
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
3,058
|
2,321
|
11,161
|
11,407
|
804
|
26
|
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
33,285
|
23,306
|
111,883
|
119,395
|
12,214
|
34
|
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
19,737
|
15,468
|
69,968
|
78,058
|
6,551
|
30
|
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
7,158
|
5,632
|
26,443
|
28,026
|
1,955
|
26
|
|
Region 13 (Austin
|
12,967
|
9,697
|
43,381
|
49,662
|
5,147
|
35
|
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
3,621
|
2,674
|
12,580
|
12,921
|
1,045
|
28
|
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
4,033
|
2,798
|
13,146
|
13,460
|
1,331
|
32
|
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
5,590
|
4,323
|
20,155
|
20,704
|
1,419
|
25
|
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
6,180
|
4,375
|
21,933
|
21,267
|
1,1617
|
27
|
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
5,784
|
3,956
|
19,691
|
20,134
|
1,958
|
33
|
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
10,330
|
7,024
|
32,147
|
35,105
|
4,257
|
38
|
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
21,174
|
14,451
|
69,373
|
74,209
|
8,199
|
36
|
|
State of Texas
|
243,119
|
172,287
|
818,042
|
868,263
|
86,276
|
33
|
|
Figures calculated by IDRA from the Texas Education Agency Fall Membership Survey data. IDRA’s 1985-86 attrition study involved the analysis of enrollment figures for public high school students in the ninth grade during 1982-83 school year and enrollment figures for 12th grade students in 1985-86. This period represents the time span when ninth grade students would be enrolled in school prior to graduation. The enrollment data for special school districts (military schools, state schools, and charter schools) were excluded from the analyses since they are likely to have unstable enrollments and/or lack a tax base to support school programs.
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
In 2005-06, attrition rates ranged from a low of 18 percent in ESC Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 46 percent in ESC Region 1 (
Edinburg
), compared to the state average of 35 percent (see Exhibit 3).
|
Exhibit 3: 2002-03 and 2005-06 Enrollment,
2005-06 Attrition in Texas Education Service Center Regions
|
|
ESC Region
|
2002-03
9th Grade
Enrollment
|
2005-06
12th Grade
Enrollment
|
2002-03
9-12th Grade
Enrollment
|
2005-06
9-12th Grade
Enrollment
|
Students
Lost to
Attrition
|
Attrition
Rate
(%)
|
|
Region 1 (
Edinburg
)
|
28,266
|
17,239
|
81,111
|
91,334
|
14,634
|
46
|
|
Region 2 (
Corpus Christi
)
|
9,407
|
6,373
|
30,480
|
30,078
|
2,936
|
31
|
|
Region 3 (
Victoria
)
|
5,125
|
3,398
|
16,611
|
15,871
|
1,529
|
31
|
|
Region 4 (
Houston
)
|
78,914
|
54,726
|
243,174
|
267,688
|
32,902
|
37
|
|
Region 5 (
Beaumont
)
|
7,309
|
5,042
|
24,036
|
23,173
|
2,023
|
28
|
|
Region 6 (
Huntsville
)
|
12,710
|
9,259
|
40,648
|
43,856
|
4,534
|
32
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
13,919
|
10,114
|
45,888
|
46,819
|
4,289
|
29
|
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
4,606
|
3,546
|
15,845
|
16,330
|
1,230
|
25
|
|
Region 9 (
Wichita Falls
)
|
3,410
|
2,652
|
11,844
|
11,749
|
741
|
22
|
|
Region 10 (
Richardson
)
|
54,288
|
36,901
|
166,440
|
180,475
|
22,694
|
37
|
|
Region 11 (
Fort Worth
)
|
39,176
|
27,537
|
122,290
|
134,297
|
16,013
|
36
|
|
Region 12 (
Waco
)
|
11,546
|
8,150
|
38,223
|
39,240
|
3,749
|
31
|
|
Region 13 (
Austin
)
|
24,828
|
18,296
|
81,220
|
87,262
|
8,515
|
31
|
|
Region 14 (
Abilene
)
|
3,895
|
2,749
|
13,563
|
12,843
|
959
|
25
|
|
Region 15 (
San Angelo
)
|
4,242
|
3,124
|
14,753
|
14,457
|
1,041
|
25
|
|
Region 16 (
Amarillo
)
|
6,360
|
4,675
|
21,955
|
21,912
|
1,728
|
26
|
|
Region 17 (
Lubbock
)
|
6,109
|
4,785
|
22,517
|
21,603
|
1,104
|
18
|
|
Region 18 (
Midland
)
|
6,436
|
4,463
|
22,331
|
21,510
|
1,790
|
28
|
|
Region 19 (
El Paso
)
|
14,362
|
9,798
|
45,690
|
49,169
|
5,703
|
37
|
|
Region 20 (
San Antonio
)
|
28,757
|
19,563
|
93,508
|
96,660
|
10,211
|
34
|
|
State of
Texas
|
363,665
|
252,390
|
1,152,127
|
1,226,326
|
137,162
|
35
|
|
Figures calculated by IDRA from the Texas Education Agency Fall Membership Survey data. IDRA’s 2005-06 attrition study involved the analysis of enrollment figures for public high school students in the ninth grade during 2002-03 school year and enrollment figures for 12th grade students in 2005-06. This period represents the time span when ninth grade students would be enrolled in school prior to graduation. The enrollment data for special school districts (military schools, state schools, and charter schools) were excluded from the analyses since they are likely to have unstable enrollments and/or lack a tax base to support school programs.
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
In 2006-07, attrition rates ranged from a low of 20 percent in ESC Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 46 percent in ESC Region 1 (Edinburg), compared to the state average of 34 percent (see Exhibits 1 and 4).
|
Exhibit 4: 2003-04 and 2006-07 Enrollment,
2006-07 Attrition in
Texas
Education
Service
Center
Regions
|
|
ESC Region
|
2003-04
9th Grade
Enrollment
|
2006-07
12th Grade
Enrollment
|
2003-04
9-12th Grade
Enrollment
|
2006-07
9-12th Grade
Enrollment
|
Students
Lost to
Attrition
|
Attrition
Rate
(%)
|
|
Region 1 (
Edinburg
)
|
29,196
|
18,015
|
84,077
|
95,262
|
15,098
|
46
|
|
Region 2 (
Corpus Christi
)
|
9,243
|
6,387
|
30,255
|
29,965
|
2,796
|
30
|
|
Region 3 (
Victoria
)
|
4,860
|
3,441
|
16,472
|
15,636
|
1,187
|
25
|
|
Region 4 (
Houston
)
|
80,896
|
56,073
|
249,109
|
272,097
|
33,034
|
37
|
|
Region 5 (
Beaumont
)
|
7,098
|
4,929
|
23,858
|
23,164
|
1,981
|
28
|
|
Region 6 (
Huntsville
)
|
12,394
|
9,464
|
41,307
|
44,483
|
3,940
|
29
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
13,703
|
9,973
|
45,981
|
46,363
|
3,916
|
28
|
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
4,533
|
3,533
|
15,468
|
15,953
|
1,176
|
24
|
|
Region 9 (
Wichita Falls
)
|
3,374
|
2,582
|
11,662
|
11,414
|
730
|
22
|
|
Region 10 (
Richardson
)
|
53,933
|
37,579
|
170,747
|
182,781
|
20,695
|
35
|
|
Region 11 (
Fort Worth
)
|
39,926
|
28,884
|
125,449
|
137,433
|
15,305
|
34
|
|
Region 12 (
Waco
)
|
11,879
|
8,374
|
38,664
|
39,691
|
3,875
|
31
|
|
Region 13 (
Austin
)
|
24,794
|
18,843
|
82,281
|
90,303
|
8,528
|
31
|
|
Region 14 (
Abilene
)
|
3,901
|
2,829
|
13,255
|
12,975
|
1,006
|
26
|
|
Region 15 (
San Angelo
)
|
4,251
|
3,213
|
14,731
|
14,443
|
967
|
23
|
|
Region 16 (
Amarillo
)
|
6,454
|
4,883
|
21,765
|
22,100
|
1,712
|
25
|
|
Region 17 (
Lubbock
)
|
6,004
|
4,754
|
21,879
|
21,530
|
1,176
|
20
|
|
Region 18 (
Midland
)
|
6,467
|
4,587
|
22,156
|
21,378
|
1,699
|
26
|
|
Region 19 (
El Paso
)
|
14,429
|
10,105
|
46,229
|
50,052
|
5,549
|
35
|
|
Region 20 (
San Antonio
)
|
28,522
|
19,202
|
93,384
|
98,875
|
11,065
|
36
|
|
State of
Texas
|
365,857
|
257,650
|
1,168,729
|
1,245,898
|
134,676
|
34
|
|
Figures calculated by IDRA from the Texas Education Agency Fall Membership Survey data. IDRA’s 2006-07 attrition study involved the analysis of enrollment figures for public high school students in the ninth grade during 2003-04 school year and enrollment figures for 12th grade students in 2006-07. This period represents the time span when ninth grade students would be enrolled in school prior to graduation. The enrollment data for special school districts (military schools, state schools, and charter schools) were excluded from the analyses since they are likely to have unstable enrollments and/or lack a tax base to support school programs.
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
Eight of the 20 education service center regions (40 percent) had lower attrition rates in 2006-07 than in 1985-86, eight (40 percent) had higher rates, and four (20 percent) had rates that remained unchanged (see Exhibit 5).
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Exhibit 5: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
By
Education
Service
Center
Region: 1985-86, 2005-06 and 2006-07
|
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rate (%)
|
Point
Change
85-86 to
06-07
|
Percent
Change
85-86 to
06-07
|
|
1985-86
|
2005-06
|
2006-07
|
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
43
|
46
|
46
|
3
|
6.98%
|
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
29
|
31
|
30
|
1
|
3.45%
|
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
23
|
31
|
25
|
2
|
8.70%
|
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
37
|
37
|
37
|
0
|
0.00%
|
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
21
|
28
|
28
|
7
|
33.33%
|
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
34
|
32
|
29
|
-5
|
-14.71%
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
27
|
29
|
28
|
1
|
3.70%
|
|
Region 8 (Mount Pleasant)
|
24
|
25
|
24
|
0
|
0.00%
|
|
Region 9 (wichita Falls)
|
26
|
22
|
22
|
-4
|
-15.38%
|
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
34
|
37
|
35
|
1
|
2.94%
|
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
30
|
36
|
34
|
4
|
13.33%
|
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
26
|
31
|
31
|
5
|
19.23%
|
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
35
|
31
|
31
|
-4
|
-11.43%
|
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
28
|
25
|
26
|
-2
|
-7.14%
|
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
32
|
25
|
23
|
-9
|
-28.13%
|
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
25
|
26
|
25
|
0
|
0.00%
|
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
27
|
18
|
20
|
-7
|
-25.93%
|
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
33
|
28
|
26
|
-7
|
-21.21%
|
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
38
|
37
|
35
|
-3
|
-7.89%
|
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
36
|
34
|
36
|
0
|
0.00%
|
|
State of Texas
|
33
|
35
|
34
|
1
|
3.03%
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
The total number of students lost from public high school public enrollment has increased from 86,272 in 1985-86 to 134,646 in 2006-07 (see Exhibit 6).
- The total number of students lost from enrollment by education service center region in 1985-86 ranged from a low of 804 students in ESC Region 9 (Wichita Falls) to a high of 20,315 in ESC Region 4 (Houston).
- In 2005-06, the total number of students lost from enrollment by education service center region ranged from a low of 741 students in ESC Region 9 (Wichita Falls) to a high of 32,902 in ESC Region 4 (Houston).
- In 2006-07, the total number of students lost from enrollment by education service center region ranged from a low of 730 students in ESC Region 9 (Wichita Falls) to a high of 33,034 in ESC Region 4 (Houston).
|
Exhibit 6: Attrition in Texas Public Schools
By Education Service Center Region: 1985-86, 2005-06, & 2006-07
|
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Number
|
Number Change
85-86 to
06-07
|
Percent Change
85-86 to
06-07
|
|
1985-86
|
2005-06
|
2006-07
|
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
7,523
|
14,634
|
15,098
|
7,575
|
100.69%
|
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
2,291
|
2,936
|
2,796
|
505
|
22.04%
|
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
932
|
1,529
|
1,187
|
255
|
27.36%
|
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
20,315
|
32,902
|
33,034
|
12,719
|
62.61%
|
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
1,471
|
2,023
|
1,981
|
510
|
34.67%
|
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
2,857
|
4,534
|
3,940
|
1,083
|
37.91%
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
3,198
|
4,289
|
3,916
|
718
|
22.45%
|
|
Region 8 (Mount Pleasant)
|
974
|
1,230
|
1,176
|
202
|
20.74%
|
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
804
|
741
|
730
|
-74
|
-9.20%
|
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
12,214
|
22,694
|
20,695
|
8,481
|
69.44%
|
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
6,551
|
16,013
|
15,305
|
8,754
|
133.63%
|
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
1,955
|
3,749
|
3,875
|
1,920
|
98.21%
|
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
5,147
|
8,515
|
8,528
|
3,381
|
65.69%
|
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
1,045
|
959
|
1,006
|
-39
|
-3.73%
|
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
1,331
|
1,041
|
967
|
-364
|
-27.35%
|
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
1,419
|
1,728
|
1,712
|
293
|
20.65%
|
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
1,617
|
1,104
|
1,176
|
-441
|
-27.27%
|
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
1,958
|
1,790
|
1,699
|
-259
|
-13.23%
|
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
4,257
|
5,703
|
5,549
|
1,292
|
30.35%
|
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
8,199
|
10,211
|
11,065
|
2,866
|
34.96%
|
|
State of Texas
|
86,276
|
137,162
|
134,676
|
48,400
|
56.10%
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
In 1985-86, attrition rates ranged from a low of 21 percent in Region 5 (Beaumont) to a high of 43 percent in Region 1 (Edinburg). Twelve of the education service center regions had rates lower than the state average of 33 percent, seven had rates higher than the state average, and one service center had a rate equal to the state average.
The education service center regions with attrition rates lower than the state average included: ESC Region 5 (21 percent), ESC Region 3 (23 percent), ESC Region 16 (25 percent), ESC Region 9 (26 percent), ESC Region 12 (26 percent), ESC Region 7 (27 percent), ESC Region 17 (27 percent), ESC Region 14 (28 percent), ESC Region 2 (29 percent), ESC Region 11 (30 percent), and ESC Region 15 (32 percent). Seven education service center regions had attrition rates higher than 33 percent including ESC Region 6 (34 percent), ESC Region 10 (34 percent), ESC Region 13 (35 percent), ESC Region 20 (36 percent), ESC Region 4 (37 percent), ESC Region 19 (38 percent), and ESC Region 1 (43 percent). The attrition rate for ESC Region 18 matched the state average.
In 2005-06, attrition rates ranged from a low of 18 percent in Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 46 percent in Region 1 (Edinburg). Fifteen of the education service center regions had rates lower than the state average of 35 percent and five had rates higher than the state average.
The education service center regions with attrition rates lower than the state average included: ESC Region 17 (18 percent), ESC Region 9 (22 percent), ESC Region 8 (25 percent), ESC Region 14 (25 percent), ESC Region 15 (25 percent), ESC Region 16 (26 percent), ESC Region 5 (28 percent), ESC Region 18 (28 percent), ESC Region 7 (29 percent), ESC Region 2 (31 percent), ESC Region 3 (31 percent), ESC Region 12 (31 percent), ESC Region 13 (31 percent), ESC Region 6 (32 percent), and ESC Region 20 (34 percent). Five education service center regions had attrition rates higher than 35 percent including ESC Region 11 (36 percent), ESC Region 4 (37 percent), ESC Region 10 (37 percent), ESC Region 19 (37 percent), and ESC Region 1 (46 percent).
In 2006-07, attrition rates ranged from a low of 20 percent in Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 46 percent in Region 1 (Edinburg). Fourteen of the education service center regions had rates lower than the state average of 34 percent, five had rates higher than the state average, and one region had a rate equal to the state average.
The education service center regions with attrition rates lower than the state average included: ESC Region 17 (20 percent), ESC Region 9 (22 percent), ESC Region 15 (23 percent), ESC Region 8 (24 percent), ESC Region 3 (25 percent), ESC Region 16 (25 percent), ESC Region 14 (26 percent), ESC Region 18 (26 percent), ESC Region 5 (28 percent), ESC Region 7 (28 percent), ESC Region 6 (29 percent), ESC Region 2 (30 percent), ESC Region 12 (31 percent), and ESC Region 13 (31 percent). Five education service center regions had attrition rates higher than 34 percent including ESC Region 10 (35 percent), ESC Region 19 (35 percent), ESC Region 20 (36 percent), ESC Region 4 (37 percent), and ESC Region 1 (46 percent). The attrition rate for ESC Region 11 matched the state average.
Statewide, the attrition rates of Hispanic students and Black students have either remained unchanged or have worsened since 1985-86 (see Exhibit 7). The gaps between the attrition rates of Whites students and Hispanic and Black students have increased.
- The attrition rate for White students was 27 percent in 1985-86, 21 percent in 2005-06, and 20 percent in 2006-07.
- The attrition rate for Hispanic students was 45 percent in 1985-86, 47 percent in 2005-06, and 45 percent in 2006-07.
- The attrition rate for Black students was 34 percent in 1985-86, 40 percent in both 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Graphs of attrition by race and ethnicity for each service center region are available online at: www.idra.org.
|
Exhibit 8: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
By Education Service Center Region and Race-Ethnicity, 2006-07
|
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rates 1
|
Number Lost 2
|
|
Black
|
White
|
Hispanic
|
Total
|
Black
|
White
|
Hispanic
|
Total
|
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
44
|
23
|
46
|
46
|
34
|
226
|
14,805
|
15,098
|
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
26
|
18
|
36
|
30
|
82
|
426
|
2,285
|
2,796
|
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
27
|
10
|
40
|
25
|
123
|
196
|
853
|
1,187
|
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
42
|
20
|
50
|
37
|
8,720
|
5,526
|
18,239
|
33,034
|
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
38
|
22
|
40
|
28
|
846
|
854
|
253
|
1,981
|
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
33
|
23
|
45
|
29
|
559
|
1,972
|
1,336
|
3,940
|
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
32
|
21
|
48
|
28
|
942
|
1,722
|
1,206
|
3,916
|
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
27
|
20
|
45
|
24
|
318
|
570
|
277
|
1,176
|
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
35
|
16
|
38
|
22
|
106
|
376
|
232
|
730
|
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
41
|
18
|
52
|
35
|
5,446
|
3,859
|
10,974
|
20,695
|
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
42
|
24
|
52
|
34
|
2,849
|
5,572
|
6,473
|
15,305
|
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
41
|
22
|
43
|
31
|
1,205
|
1,326
|
1,275
|
3,875
|
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
40
|
18
|
46
|
31
|
1,188
|
2,350
|
4,792
|
8,528
|
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
44
|
17
|
42
|
26
|
127
|
400
|
468
|
1,006
|
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
35
|
11
|
32
|
23
|
55
|
203
|
692
|
967
|
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
43
|
15
|
37
|
25
|
173
|
520
|
991
|
1,712
|
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
19
|
8
|
30
|
20
|
90
|
179
|
903
|
1,176
|
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
37
|
10
|
36
|
26
|
132
|
229
|
1,319
|
1,699
|
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
35
|
20
|
37
|
35
|
159
|
247
|
5,104
|
5,549
|
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
37
|
22
|
42
|
36
|
799
|
1,665
|
8,516
|
11,065
|
|
Statewide
|
40
|
20
|
45
|
34
|
23,845
|
28,339
|
80,445
|
134,676
|
|
1Calculated by: (1) dividing the high school enrollment in the end year by the high school enrollment in the base year; (2) multiplying the results from Calculation 1 by the ninth grade enrollment in the base year; (3) subtracting the results from Calculation 2 from the 12th grade enrollment in the end year; and (4) dividing the results of Calculation 3 by the result of Calculation 2. The attrition rate results (percentages) were rounded to the nearest whole number.
2The aggregate sum of individual regions may not equal the statewide sum due to rounding.
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, February 2008
|
|
Exhibit 9: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
by Education Service Center Region, 2006-07
Rank Order and Rate for All Students
|
|
Rank
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rate
|
|
1
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
20
|
|
2
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
22
|
|
3
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
23
|
|
4
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
24
|
|
5
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
25
|
|
5
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
25
|
|
7
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
26
|
|
7
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
26
|
|
9
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
28
|
|
9
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
28
|
|
11
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
29
|
|
12
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
30
|
|
13
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
31
|
|
13
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
31
|
|
15
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
34
|
|
16
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
35
|
|
16
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
35
|
|
18
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
36
|
|
19
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
37
|
|
20
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
46
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
In 2006-07, the attrition rates for Black students across the education service center regions ranged from a low of 19 percent in ESC Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 44 percent in ESC Region 14 (Abilene) and ESC Region 1 (Edinburg). Based on the number of Black students lost to attrition, the number ranged from a low of 34 in ESC Region 1 (Edinburg) to a high of 8,720 in ESC Region 4 (Houston).
|
Exhibit 10: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
By Education Service Center Region, 2006-07
Rank Order and Rate for Black Students
|
|
Rank
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rate
|
|
1
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
19
|
|
2
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
26
|
|
3
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
27
|
|
3
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
27
|
|
5
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
32
|
|
6
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
33
|
|
7
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
35
|
|
7
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
35
|
|
7
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
35
|
|
10
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
37
|
|
10
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
37
|
|
12
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
38
|
|
13
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
40
|
|
14
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
41
|
|
14
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
41
|
|
16
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
42
|
|
16
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
42
|
|
18
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
43
|
|
19
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
44
|
|
19
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
44
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
Attrition rates ranged for White students across education service center regions ranged from a low of 8 percent in ESC Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 24 percent in Region 11 (Fort Worth) in 2006-07.
|
Exhibit 11: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
By Education Service Center Region, 2006-07
Rank Order and Rate for White Students
|
|
Rank
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rate
|
|
1
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
8
|
|
2
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
10
|
|
2
|
Region 18 (Midland>)
|
10
|
|
4
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
11
|
|
5
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
15
|
|
6
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
16
|
|
7
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
17
|
|
8
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
18
|
|
8
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
18
|
|
8
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
18
|
|
11
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
20
|
|
11
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
20
|
|
11
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
20
|
|
14
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
21
|
|
15
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
22
|
|
15
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
22
|
|
15
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
22
|
|
18
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
23
|
|
18
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
23
|
|
20
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
24
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
In 2006-07, attrition rates ranged for Hispanic students across education service center regions ranged from a low of 30 percent in ESC Region 17 (Lubbock) to a high of 52 percent in both ESC Region 10 (Richardson) and ESC Region 11 (Fort Worth).
|
Exhibit 12: Attrition Rates in Texas Public Schools
By Education Service Center Region, 2006-07
Rank Order and Rate for Hispanic Students
|
|
Rank
|
ESC Region
|
Attrition Rate
|
|
1
|
Region 17 (Lubbock)
|
30
|
|
2
|
Region 15 (San Angelo)
|
32
|
|
3
|
Region 18 (Midland)
|
36
|
|
3
|
Region 2 (Corpus Christi)
|
36
|
|
5
|
Region 16 (Amarillo)
|
37
|
|
5
|
Region 19 (El Paso)
|
37
|
|
6
|
Region 9 (Wichita Falls)
|
38
|
|
7
|
Region 3 (Victoria)
|
40
|
|
7
|
Region 5 (Beaumont)
|
40
|
|
10
|
Region 14 (Abilene)
|
42
|
|
10
|
Region 20 (San Antonio)
|
42
|
|
12
|
Region 12 (Waco)
|
43
|
|
13
|
Region 8 (Mt. Pleasant)
|
45
|
|
13
|
Region 6 (Huntsville)
|
45
|
|
15
|
Region 13 (Austin)
|
46
|
|
15
|
Region 1 (Edinburg)
|
46
|
|
17
|
Region 7 (Kilgore)
|
48
|
|
18
|
Region 4 (Houston)
|
50
|
|
19
|
Region 10 (Richardson)
|
52
|
|
19
|
Region 11 (Fort Worth)
|
52
|
|
Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, 2008
|
Conclusions
The examination of historical trend data on the number and percent of students lost from public school enrollment prior to graduation from high school is becoming increasing important since distinct trends are emerging on a regional basis. Education service center regions with traditionally high attrition rates include: ESC Region 1 (Edinburg), ESC Region 4 (Houston), ESC Region 10 (Richardson), ESC Region 13 (Austin), ESC Region 19 (El Paso), and ESC Region 20 (San Antonio).
For the most part, the highest attrition rates are concentrated in regions with the largest student enrollment counts, particularly those in urban areas and those with the largest low-income and minority populations.
The state education agency, schools and communities must work collaboratively to strengthen public schools’ capacities to improve school holding power. Considering the persistently high attrition rates in some ESC regions, targeted resources and support services to schools and communities in these regions would be both feasible and appropriate.
For the period of 2006 to 2008 as part of high school improvement efforts to improve graduation and college readiness rates, 10 regional education service centers have been charged by the Texas Education Agency to provide assistance to school districts with the highest dropout rates. These 10 regional ESCs include: ESC Region 1 (Edinburg), ESC Region 4 (Houston), ESC Region 7 (Kilgore), ESC Region 10 (Richardson), ESC Region 11 (Fort Worth), ESC Region 13 (Austin), ESC Region 18 (Midland), ESC Region 19 (El Paso), and ESC Region 20 (San Antonio).
In order to guarantee that all students graduate from high school and be college-ready, schools and communities in Texas and around the country must work together to improve school holding power and student success.
