Dropouts, Failing Marks ... Is It Too Late for America's High Schools?

Call & Post; Cincinnati, Ohio › August 18, 2009

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Summary

"Reform has become a big buzz word," says [Grace Sammon]. "It's been the focus of many foundations, the federal government and the National Governor's Association, yet with years of focus, dedication and hard work we simply aren't seeing the gains we anticipated on a grand scale. So if we're not properly educating our kids-should high schools exist as they are now?"

"Successful schools are measured by more than standardized test scores," says Sammon. "They are schools that have honestly assessed the needs of all the students - not just the top or bottom 25 percent - and they implemented strategies that engage faculties to serve their entire student population. Each school community is unique and faces special challenges, however, there are essential best practices available to effectively drive a district or school's reform efforts."

Sammon believes the first step to getting off the hamster wheel and implementing real change is for each school to analyze their data and recognize trends. Then it's time to be brutally honest. "Dr. Phil McGraw has this great expression - 'throw the skunk on the table,'" says Sammon. "And that means let's discuss problems no matter how much they may stink. Owning up to the skunks is the only way to create meaningful solutions."