The Vanishing Class

Early this year, the Los Angeles Times dedicated a four-part feature to the human story of high school students who leave before graduating. The reporters call them "the vanishing class." Photos, video clips and discussions help tell the story.

Part one asks, "Why does high school fail so many?" In an intimate look at Birmingham High in Los Angeles, the reporters find that half the freshmen are gone four years later. Students and parents speak their minds, and their stories may surprise you.

Part two looks at the challenge of passing algebra. It is a hurdle too many students are not clearing. Some of those who get tutoring, extra instruction, and coaching find the course beyond their mastery. Is it the curriculum? Is it the method of instruction or the quality of the teaching? Is it the students themselves? Take the algebra test yourself, and see how you do.

Part three is the story of eleven boys who started high school together, and thought they'd finish together. It would not turn out that way. They called themselves a "family of outsiders." But their story becomes understandable as you listen to their words, and look at their faces.

Part four shows that even in failure, there is opportunity. Students who leave high school need not end their educations. Some continue it elsewhere. Meet John and Joan Hall, who started a group of schools designed especially to work with dropouts. They have a mixed record of results, and are now in a legal battle with the California Department of Education.

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