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Harder Math, Science Courses May Increase High School Dropout Rate

More difficult graduation requirements for math and science courses may lead to higher high school dropout rates, according to a new study published by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis.

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A student works on math problems in Keith Marquez's summer school geometry class at McAllum High School in Austin, Texas, Jul. 31, 2013.
Credit: Gabriel Cristóver Pérez

More difficult graduation requirements for math and science courses may lead to higher high school dropout rates, according to a new study published by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. Although some researchers dispute the findings, the study’s authors found there was no benefit to raising math and science requirements, because that left many students feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. (Education News)

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