Proposed Bill Aims At Slashing State's High School Dropout Rate
BOSTON (CBS) - A proposed bill on Beacon Hill takes on the problem of the state's high school dropout rate.
About 8,000 kids in Massachusetts drop out of high school each year.
Many dropouts end up needing public assistance. Others run into trouble with the law. In fact, 70 percent of the prison population in Massachusetts is made up of high school dropouts.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports.
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In Springfield, the dropout rate is 50 percent.
"This type of bill that asks something from everyone, that doesn't blame anyone, but makes us all part of the village that is raising a child," said Springfield City Councilor Ahmad Rivera.
Rivera said he's an example of why staying in school is so important.
"As a young person that's had the privelege to go on to get my Ph.D, but grew up in Springfield homeless, I know firsthand the bridge that this can make for many individuals," said Rivera.
The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
