Stats That Stick: December 15, 2010

The number of Californians seeking to become teachers has plummeted by 45 percent over a seven year period – even as student enrollments are projected to rise by 230,000 over the next decade and as many as 100,000 teachers are expected to retire. –California Watch

The rise in the number of homeless youths is traditionally difficult to track, as it is measured largely by reports from schools, shelters, and other social service agencies. Federal officials estimate at least 110,000 youths between 12 and 24 years old live on the nation’s streets. –Boston Globe

An analysis of more than 2,000 low-performing charter and district schools from  2003-04 through 2008-09, found that 72 percent of the original low-performing charters remained in operation—and remained low-performing—five years later. So did 80 percent of district schools. –Thomas B. Fordham Institute