Final answer:
The decrease in the U.S. high school dropout rate since the mid-2000s is largely due to various factors including federal legislation like the No Child Left Behind Act and improvements in Hispanic teenagers' graduation rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decline in the overall U.S. high school dropout rate since the mid-2000s can be attributed to multiple factors, including legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act, which aimed to highlight areas of improvement in student outcomes and provide additional support where needed. The impact of this legislation is complemented by programs that focus on increasing the high school graduation rates of minority and low-income students, with particularly substantial gains in Hispanic teenagers' graduation rates, a group that was once experiencing a significant dropout rate.
While the No Child Left Behind Act had its limitations and received criticism, it did contribute to increased accountability and spotlighted the need for higher standards within schools receiving federal funds. Efforts to provide support for students with disabilities and improve educational opportunities, including the availability of high-quality vocational learning opportunities, also played a role in reducing dropout rates.