NB 1308
Oct. 25, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick's dropout rate has hit an all-time low of 2.4 per cent, Education Minister Kelly Lamrock announced today in releasing the 2004-2005 Education Dropout Statistics Report.
"It is important for students to remain in school and engaged in their education," Lamrock said. "In today's economy, even one dropout is still one too many. Government is committed to improving our early detection and services and programs for students at risk of dropping out."
The provincial dropout rate was 2.4 per cent between Sept. 30, 2004 and Sept. 30, 2005, marking the greatest one-year improvement since 1991, the year the province began calculating the rate. In 2003-2004, the provincial dropout rate was 2.9 per cent.
The dropout rate in francophone schools was 2.0 per cent while anglophone schools reported a dropout rate of 2.5 per cent.
A number of initiatives have contributed to the consistently low dropout rate. They include alternative school settings, summer schooling, mentoring and tutoring programs, youth apprenticeship programs and the requirement under the Education Act that students remain in school until they graduate or turn 18 years of age. The act also prohibits the employment of these children during school hours.
"All of these factors have helped New Brunswick consistently achieve a low dropout rate," the minister said. "Through the dedicated efforts of educators, schools, district education councils and parents, every effort is being made to give our youth as many opportunities as possible for an enriching and well-rounded education."
The Education Dropout Statistics Report is based on information provided by all New Brunswick public schools with students in Grade 7 or higher.
A total of 58,878 students were enrolled in grades 7 to 12 for the 2004-2005 school year. During that period, 1,391 students left school prior to graduation.
Personal problems were cited as the reason for dropping out of school by 68.6 per cent of students. A total of 13.3 per cent left school because of academic problems and 11.1 per cent dropped out to take a job.
By gender, the dropout rate for boys was 2.8 per cent and 1.9 per cent for girls. There were 24 dropouts in grades 7-8, a total of 560 in grades 9-10 and 807 in grades 11-12.
The 2004-2005 Education Dropout Statistics Report is now available online.
06/10/25
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jason Humphrey or Hugues Beaulieu, communications, Education, 506-444-4714.
06/10/25