<em>Public School Notebook</em> Addresses Challenge Of Keeping Kids In School
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Recently a group of high school students, led by their peers at the Philadelphia School District headquarters, discussed what would keep them motivated and challenged to stay in school. At the end of the session, Superintendent Hite said he heard 3 demands: respect students, provide rigorous experiences and make learning relevant.
The February issue of The Public School Notebook is devoted to these issues: strategies and programs for keeping kids in schools are presented; school-by-school graduation rates are listed: combating absence and making sure that students attend no less than 90% of school days; recruiting over-age youth to one of 13 accelerated school programs; teachers' ideas on making schools welcoming.
Not long ago, one could say, only half the kids graduate; but today two-thirds of the students finish within 6 years; Still, far too many kids are leaving school without skills for higher ed and careers. The Notebook is a must-read for all of us.