The 'New Normal' for Ga. Public Education in 2012
As we prepare to enter 2012, what are the issues to resolve in educating all students to their capacity and utilize public education to advance the productivity of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and our nation?
One of the first issues to resolve is developing a standard measure of graduation rates state by state, regionally, and nationally. Why is this of such importance? Students who earn high school diplomas increase their options for employment in the global workforce. Dropping out before graduation reduces workforce opportunities.
In 2005, the nation’s 50 governors signed a compact that by 2011 all states would use the same definition of “graduation rate” and have robust data systems that replace estimates of ninth grade enrollment with actual counts.
Having standard measures allows accurate counts of four-years graduates, GED recipients, other completers, dropouts, and students still enrolled for a fifth year. Having graduation rates comparable across districts, states, and the nation helps identify potential dropouts and ensure that students stay to graduate and compete in the global workforce.
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Comments
Not wrong, but light on substance
I happen to also be a resident of Gwinnett County and the column doesn't surprise me at all. I don't disagree with the ideas put forth, but the column is extremely high level and brings forward goals that certainly go far beyond what could be accomplished in 2012 alone (there are references to the next decade). I think almost anyone could have made these same statements (and they all have)... I'd be interested in more concrete ideas from one of the largest school districts in the country!
Along the partnership between K-12 and HE, one of the items often overlooked is a strong need to improve the preparation and quality of new teachers coming from HE to K-12. As much of K-12 moves away from the "industrial" model of education, new teachers need to be prepared to work in a very different profession using different techniques and technologies. School districts need to set higher bars for which graduates they will hire from these HE programs that are aligned with district transformation plans. After all, ideally these "new" teachers will be with the district for a decade or more and will be at the heart of future transformative efforts.