On the Healthy People 2020 website, the 2020 LHI topic, Social Determinants, explains that a national indicator of health is measured by “Students who graduate with a regular diploma 4 years after starting 9th grade” (para. 11). According to the data, as a nation, are we improving or declining, and why is this important to our health as a country?
Title: The Importance of the National Indicator “Students who Graduate with a Regular Diploma 4 Years after Starting 9th Grade” to Measure Health in the United States
Introduction:
The National Indicator “Students who graduate with a regular diploma 4 years after starting 9th grade” serves as a crucial measure of the health and well-being of the country. As outlined on the Healthy People 2020 website, social determinants play a significant role in shaping health outcomes. By analyzing the data associated with this national indicator, it is possible to assess whether the United States is improving or declining in terms of educational attainment and its subsequent impact on overall health. In this context, this paper aims to explore national trends in graduation rates and their importance to the health of the nation.
Improvement or Decline in National Graduation Rates:
Analyzing the national data regarding the graduation rates of students who complete high school within four years reveals both encouraging trends and areas for concern. The United States has observed an overall improvement in the graduation rate over the past decade. For instance, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the national high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 85% in the 2018-2019 academic year (NCES, 2020). This figure was an increase of seven percentage points since the 2010-2011 academic year.
While this progress demonstrates improvement, it is crucial to acknowledge that disparities in graduation rates persist across various demographic groups. For example, graduation rates among White students are consistently higher than those observed among Hispanic and Black students (NCES, 2020). Moreover, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and English language learners face considerable challenges in achieving high school graduation rates comparable to their peers. Evidently, these disparities reflect the larger social determinants impact on educational attainment, which drives the subsequent impact on health outcomes.
Importance to Health:
The importance of the national indicator “Students who graduate with a regular diploma 4 years after starting 9th grade” to the health of the country cannot be understated. Numerous studies have consistently highlighted the correlation between educational attainment and health outcomes. Higher levels of education are associated with improved health behaviors, access to healthcare, and overall health status (Levinthal, 2012). Thus, the proportion of students who graduate on time serves as a critical measure of the potential future health and well-being of the population.
Access to education is linked to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These crucial attributes acquired through education enable individuals to make informed decisions about their health, reduce risky behaviors, and seek necessary healthcare services in a timely manner. Conversely, individuals with limited educational opportunities are more likely to face health disparities and engage in unhealthy behaviors that adversely affect their well-being.
Furthermore, educational attainment has long-term implications for employment opportunities and economic stability. High school graduates have higher earning potentials and increased access to health insurance coverage, which contributes to improved healthcare utilization and quality of life. In contrast, individuals who do not complete high school are more likely to experience unemployment, poverty, and reduced access to healthcare services (Cutler & Lleras-Muney, 2010). Consequently, low high school graduation rates can perpetuate cycles of poverty and result in adverse health outcomes for individuals and communities.
By monitoring graduation rates and addressing the disparities that exist, policymakers and stakeholders in the education and health sectors can work collaboratively to develop strategies and interventions to support students’ academic success. Such efforts may include implementing early intervention programs, ensuring access to quality education and resources in marginalized communities, and promoting school retention initiatives. These targeted approaches can help mitigate the negative impact of social determinants on educational attainment and, consequently, improve overall health outcomes for the nation.
Conclusion:
The national indicator “Students who graduate with a regular diploma 4 years after starting 9th grade” plays a crucial role in measuring the health of the United States as a country. While the overall graduation rate has shown improvement, disparities persist among different demographic groups. The importance of this indicator to health lies in the strong correlation between educational attainment and health outcomes. Enhancing high school graduation rates has far-reaching benefits, including improved health behaviors, access to healthcare, and economic stability. By prioritizing educational attainment and addressing disparities within the education system, stakeholders can work together to create a healthier and more equitable society.