The new state system of tracking individual students to determine a more accurate dropout rate is also a step toward helping those who have left school and preventing others from leaving, officials say. Behind each dropout statistic is the narrative of an education that derailed. But these independent-study students at the Alternative Education and Work Center in Hollywood are on their way to turning things around. The center enrolls students who complete most of their work on their own and then come in for tests and help. The program, which is intended for high school-age students, is part of Hollywood Community Adult School, which is managed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The students either dropped out or are considered at great risk of dropping out.
Students' stories of success
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Name: Kimberly Marquez
Age: 19
Residence: Atwater Village
High school: Marshall
Story: "Marshall High always had the best intentions, but it's hard to keep track of all those students. I was just a bit of a wild one. I got drunk at school too often. I enjoyed doing a lot of other stuff more than going to school: ditching, drugs, alcohol. I was a meth user. Most of my friends were. [Two friends have died; she's not certain of the circumstances.] If it wasn't for this program, I don't think I'd ever consider college. [With] the one-on-one attention, it wasn't as easy to sneak away. They make you grow up. They make you responsible."
Goal: College
Note: Marquez graduated in June 2007 and now works as a teaching assistant at the center.
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Name: Leslie Lopez
Age: 19
Residence: South Los Angeles
High school: Hollywood
Story: "In the 11th grade, I got pregnant and I started feeling sick. [The family had moved from Hollywood to the Watts area, but she tried to continue at Hollywood High -- a 45-minute bus ride.] I had a really bad pregnancy. I'd get dizzy a lot and wouldn't be able to read my books. I was behind in credits and my age was a concern to the school. I thought about giving up."
Goals: Saving to move in with her boyfriend, attend college and pursue a career in computer drafting.
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Name: Angel Yos
Age: 18
Residence: Koreatown
High school: Fairfax
