A disappointing educational rating has Bronx and city educators taking active steps to prevent high school dropouts. Out of the 50 largest school districts in the United States, New York City rated third to last for graduation rates, according to a report from the EPE Research Center. Organizers say the alarming statistic is what prompted a dropout prevention summit Friday. Educators argue the school system needs to encourage students and make them want to stay in school. They say the district?s own curriculum is working against itself. Some Bronx students say their peers drop out because they are overwhelmed. Some educators agree, saying frequent testing puts too much pressure on students. Other educators maintain testing is necessary and is the only way to assess the level of learning. Many participants believe the effort to keep kids interested in learning needs to start at an early age. Organizers of the summit say they will submit a list of recommendations to the mayor?s office, City Council and schools chancellor.