Many work hard for dropout rate success

When Superintendant Davis came to Decatur she spoke about how hard it is to teach kids that aren't even in school. She and others have invested substantial energy in addressing a high drop-out rate. Superintendent Davis and many others deserve everyone's applause for the their efforts and results. No one is about to rest on their haunches, but, it is important to take note of achievements when they come. Here is a portion of the editorial from the Herald & Review.

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By the H&R Editorial Staff; July 6, 2008

The turnaround in the dropout rate in the Decatur School District is heartening. While there is no doubt the numbers need to improve even more, the progress made since 2002 is obvious.

But the numbers truly tell the story.

In 2007, MacArthur High School had 140 dropouts. In 2008, that number had fallen to 35. Graduation rates rose from 76.6 percent in 2007 to 92.3 percent in 2008.

The results at Eisenhower High School are equally encouraging. The graduation rate rose from 70.7 percent in 2007 to 83.5 percent in 2008. The dropout rate in the same period fell from 8.1 percent to 5.9 percent.........

.............Superintendent Gloria Davis has been tireless in talking to the freshman classes at each high school about the importance of staying in school and having them sign a graduation pledge. The schools under Davis have raised expectations, ordered up more rigorous classes and offered more help.

New initiatives put in place have made a difference. A program at MacArthur offered students who weren't making it in traditional classes a chance to catch up in night school, which offers a compressed version of the regular curriculum. The program likely will be offered at Eisenhower, too.

Other programs that have helped struggling students include the 21st Century after-school program. Students can practice reading and math skills, enjoy some recreational time and have supper before heading home. The after-school program isn't focused so much on tutoring, though both high schools offer that as well.

For the entire article - click here.

Comments

[Sue Barnhart]

Wow!!

[Leverfergeday]

Thanks for the post