Graduation rates fall in California

A shocking statistics report from a recent article in the LA Times reveals that a whopping 70% of students who enroll in community college in L.A. never complete their education, dropping out half-way through college. This stark number - 70% of community college students in ALL of L.A. county, mind you, are drop-outs - should raise awareness and encourage government officials and educators to take a look at the state of education in our country at this very moment.

The study takes note of 60,000 college students who enrolled in community college in L.A. county in 2003-2004, charting their paths through higher education for six years. The findings are disappointing, to say the least. Budget cuts have definitely affected college resources at community college over the past few years - now, students who choose community college because of financial concerns are being offered even less. California needs to take these drop-out rates under serious consideration. After all, whom are we educating? Where are the kids who drop out going to go? And what consequences will falling graduation rates at these colleges have for the rest of us? The prognosis can't be good; let's act before it's too late.