In fact, the No Child Left Behind Act, and other standardized test-based programs are "increasing incentives for school administrators to allow [poorly performing] students to quietly exit the school system ("Negative Implications," 2008). Being a high school drop out in today's society is not easy for these students, many of whom may already be disadvantaged in a variety of means. When they are simply allowed and encouraged to drop out of school because of a teacher or administrator's desire to look better, the students enter a perpetual cycle of hopelessness where their lack of preparation during the crucial public school years will most likely keep them from succeeding as they continue to move through life.

In addition to the consequences of the No Child Left Behind Act's use of high-stakes-based tests, teachers and school culture play a large role in leaving some students abandoned by the public education system. While...
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