In brief
New dropout stats help identify problem
Now, it's time for solutions
J.J. Mayers graduated
from Holt High School
after enrolling in an
alternative program
at Lansing Community
College. Mayers, now
19, said the college
learning environment was
conducive to his needs—and he successfully
earned a diploma.
LANSING— From the time he was in sixth grade, J.J. Mayers says he knew he wouldn’t finish high school. Yet, he wanted to earn his diploma—a smart student, he dreamed of a career in science.
So, in his junior year, Mayers enrolled in the High School Diploma Completion Initiative at Lansing Community College. And he thrived, completing 19 credits his first semester. Last spring, he earned his high school diploma and he’s taking college classes this fall. He’s considering a job in chemistry.
“We need to think outside the box about students,” said Tracey Taylor, director of the program. “This is high school reform.”
Mayers didn’t drop out because he found a way to continue his course work in an environment better suited to his learning needs.
Not all students do.
The latest data compiled by the state shows thousands of students leave high school permanently before graduation.
Of approximately 140,000 first-time ninth-graders in the fall of 2003, 21,185 left school permanently at some point between their freshman year and what would have been their on-time graduation in spring of 2007, according to the Center for Educational Performance and Information, the state agency that tracks the data.
While this data, released in late August, sheds light on the scope of the dropout crisis, it doesn’t help educators, parents and policymakers fix the problem.
For months, MEA with several partner groups has sponsored public hearings on the dropout crisis. Dozens of education employees—teachers, support staff, higher education faculty and staff—have participated in the hearings.
Taylor participated in the Lansing hearing last spring, highlighting what works in LCC’s program.
Her testimony, along with that of dozens of others, will be compiled and delivered to Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature at the Dropout Prevention Leadership Summit Oct. 20 in Lansing.
“We urge our leaders... to use this important input we’ve collected statewide to guide their policy decisions about the dropout crisis,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters.
Solutions are necessary, she said, and local communities must work together with public schools to identify what will work best for students.
“Parents, educators and other community members all share a common goal—to ensure students get a great education that prepares them for a bright future,” Salters said. “We can and will work together toward that goal.”