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High school dropout rate is a major concern. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that in 2007 the national dropout rate was 3.5%, with males at 3.7% and females at 3.3%. NCES further reported that the dropout rate for Whites in 2007 was 2.2%, Blacks was 4.5%, and Hispanics was 6.0%. McKeon (2006) noted that the tendency for students to drop out of school is associated with their school experiences, such as dislike of school; low academic achievement; retention at grade level; and a sense that teachers and administrators do not care about them. As stated by McKeon (2006), the dropout rate may lead to many problems for the students and society as a whole. These problems include but are not limited to increased rate of crime for those students who drop out of school, and forming the basis for many families living below the poverty level in their communities. McKeon (2006) further stated that some strong predictors that a student may drop out of school include socioeconomic status, family structure, and the age and educational level of the student´s mother. This study examined the effect principal´s length of service in a school contributes to dropout rates.

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Dr. Lurma Swinney is a native of Florence, SC. Her passion is writing. Dr. Swinney is the daughter of the late Henry Swinney and Bertha Davis. She has one sister, Audrey Davis and one son, Jay Swinney. She holds a BA, MA, and a PhD. Dr. Swinney is a born again Christian. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and helping young people to succeed.

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