Case Studies in Dropping Out and Dropping Back In

Abstract

I was invisible, man. I knew it. I sat in those schools for two years. I sat in the back of the room and I did nothing. I didn't speak to anyone and no one spoke to me. Nobody said, “Do your work” or nothing. Then one day I said it, “Man I'm invisible here.” I got up and walked out the door and I never went back. — an Oakland “dropout” who later graduated from the Oakland Street Academy

I have to be honest and tell you, “I wish some of my students would drop out.” I'm so happy on the days they don't come to class. — a 1991 California credential candidate