Writing for the Chronicle of Higher Education's February 7, 2010 Commentary section, author Richard Whitmire explores the topic of 9th grade repeaters and how they influence subsequent college graduation rates, especially for boys.

NORC senior research analyst Thomas West was interviewed for the story and his estimate of national dropout rates was featured in the piece.  West's analysis found that 12 percent of 9th grade boys but only 9 percent of 9th grade girls repeated the 9th grade, resulting in a gender gap.

West has studied dropout rates and other education topics at NORC and at the Johns Hopkins University.