More graduation drama – counting apples and oranges as one
First of all, let me begin by reminding my readers that this column is my opinion and my opinion only. By that I mean that I am not speaking for the board merely making observations about educational topics and asking for your perspective and input. Now on to the topic at hand.
Yesterday, the Register Guard gave the statewide report for graduation rates and the controversy begins again. Last year, several of us made suggestions as to how the state and the reporters might get this more accurately said so that there was no need to point out delicate issues for students involved. Here is the information for Elmira High School from the Oregon Department of Education website. The state average for graduation in four years is 73.8%. Elmira High School’s average is well above that at a strong 89.83% average. [Are you scratching your head?? I think I can help.] While the Fern Ridge School District average is ‘accurate’ at the average of 71.6% that INCLUDES our other high school whose average was 23.81%. Over a five year graduation rate the information is similar. State Average is 76.49% while EHS average is a strong 88.35%. District average is 61.59% as WLTLC’s average is 17.24%.
Elmira High School is one of the strongest in the state; yet the way the state publishes these numbers creates friction for and within the district. I am a strong supporter of alternative education and realize that many students learn in many different ways. It is essential that we reach out to all students and get them on track to graduation. That is a difficult job for those who struggle with test taking, time schedules, rules. I get it. So should you. However, to negate the wonderful work staff members are doing by embarrassing numbers is maddening for at least one of the school board members: ME. I believe that the staffs at both schools are doing their level best to meet the demands of the students for which they are responsible. What is wrong here is to pit staff against staff, students against students and/or schools against schools. Print the numbers by school only. Lowering a District average so drastically does not encourage boards to take a risk with a charter school.
I am going to ‘borrow’ a comment made by our High School Principal Gary Carpenter as I think he said it best. “A graduation rate that is high, isn’t because of one thing or one person. It is because of our teachers, our EA’s, our counselor, our classified staff, our custodians, and our support staff here at the District Office… I could go on and on. It isn’t because of one program or “thing” we do… it is a result of hard work, every day, and an accumulation of the THOUSANDS of the little things you/we do on a daily basis. Thanks for all you do.”
Indeed – Our staff is terrific. I am very proud of the work they do.
My parting quote is by B.B. King “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” And another by Frederick Douglas “It is easier to build strong children than to repair a broken man.” Until next time, please write to me as usual at tmorton@fernridge.k12.or.us