Mobile Co. Students Struggle To Get Diploma

A shocking number of students in Mobile County schools are struggling to get their diploma.

A two-year study led by Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile Area Education Foundation revealed 45% students either drop out of school or don't finish on time.

The Research Alliance for Multiple Pathways released the findings Thursday during a press conference at George Hall Elementary, listing attendance as one of the primary reason students fail. According to the study, 76% of students who did not graduate in the Class of 2006 missed eight or more days of school. The research also says 59% of students who were suspended from school more than once eventually dropped out.

"All you need to do is get in your car and ride around and look at all the teenagers you see just hanging around on the corner and sitting on porches who should be in school," said Jones.

The mayor wants the statistic cut in half by 2014. Jones says a 55 page plan is the blueprint for reducing the drop out rate.

Mobile County's 45% statistic is based on a formula by the National Association of Governors, and includes any students who do not graduate from high school in four years. The Alabama Department of Education says the number is misleading. Students who fail a year of school, but earn a diploma in five years are not considered a drop out according to the state's calculation. Based on the state's formula, Mobile only has a 10% drop out rate.