Georgia,Highest Graduation Rate Ever (neighborhoods, new construction, best school districts)

[Motion]

Georgia’s Graduation Rate Reaches Highest Level Ever | News Channel 32, Northeast Georgia

[atlantagreg30127]

What sad is that they consider what is still a 25% dropout rate good.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

What sad is that they consider what is still a 25% dropout rate good.

Compared with other states, though, at least according to 2005 figures (latest I could find in a quick check), that is actually decent. HigherEdInfo.org: Public High School Graduation Rates

[Scraper Enthusiast]

I wonder how many social promotions had to occur to accomplish this "feat".

[NYCtotheATL]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

What sad is that they consider what is still a 25% dropout rate good.

It's a start... let's focus on the positive and aim to improve these numbers for the sake of our children. As the great Randy Watson of Sexual Chocolate (and Whitney Houston) once said, "I believe the children are our future."

[Motion]

Does anyone know what's been done to cause this increase in graduation?

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by Motion

Does anyone know what's been done to cause this increase in graduation?

Sure as shiot not anything the parents did. If I had to guess, I'd say just the fact that school systems are making it easier.

[lastminutemom]

Originally Posted by Motion

Does anyone know what's been done to cause this increase in graduation?

Frankly, we don't really know if the graduation rate really increased... what has changed are the rules about how to label students who disappear. Before NCLB and anyone was really paying attention, a kid disappeared from a high school without filing any paperwork, they were labeled a drop out. Now principals and school systems are much more aggressive about trying to find out where a kid has gone -- they no longer presume a kid has dropped out, they can be labeled moved, etc.

[NYCtotheATL]

Originally Posted by Motion

Does anyone know what's been done to cause this increase in graduation?

As an educator I would have to say there are a lot of factors. As much as most schools (administrators and teachers) disagree with many provisions of NCLB, it has forced us to focus on improving learning and hiring better teachers.

Contrary to popular belief of many non-teachers, we don't make it easier on students... we've actually raised the standards. There is much more intense focus on learning beyond just facts and figures but rather, we teach the students how to think for themselves and problem solve. Unfortunately, standardized tests take away from this because if a student fails one of these tests then the teacher looks bad in they eyes of the administration and the school looks bad in the eyes of the state.

Whatever the case, schools do focus more on expanding the minds of students by asking better questions and promoting individual development, which I believe helps the graduation rate.

Parents have actually gotten a bit more involved because teachers and administrators call and email them more than they used to because it helps improve student performance. Unfortunately, too many parents can't be bothered so I'd have to agree with GT6974 to a degree.

If you are a parent, do the right thing and stay involved with their studies.

[B Wagner]

I agree that the parents and neighborhoods have become more actively involved. I see it in the best school districts it is different than before. Over the last few years the schools themselves have changed and become more community oriented. People support the sports and the area as a whole has improved with the new construction in the northeast area.