The high school failures : a study of the school records of pupils failing in academic or commercial high school subjects

This work delves into the unsettling reality that a large share of American high‑school students never finish their courses, examining the very records that document those setbacks. By framing “failure” as any non‑passing grade, the author systematically gathers data from academic and commercial tracks, seeking patterns that link school environments, teaching practices, and student experiences to the outcomes. The study situates its inquiry within the broader push for accountability in public education, highlighting how the nation’s democratic ideals and expanding compulsory attendance have intensified demands for measurable results.

Through careful analysis of enrollment figures, test scores, and institutional reports from the early twentieth century, the book paints a nuanced picture of why pupils fall behind. It refrains from casting blame, instead presenting failure as a complex phenomenon shaped by myriad factors within schools themselves. Readers will come away with a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the public high‑school system and the evidence‑based questions that policymakers and educators must confront.