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Dropout rate reaches a record low
by Jule Hubbard
The Wilkes County schools' dropout rate fell to its lowest level on record in the 2008-09 school after increasing slightly the prior school year.
The dropout rate in Wilkes was 5.49 percent in 2008-09, compared to 6.81 percent in 2007-08 and 6.12 percent in 2006-07. It was 6.14 percent in 2005-06 and 7.14 percent in 2004-05.
The information is from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction's Consolidated Data Report for 2008-09. The report listed the actual number of high school students dropping out of the Wilkes schools as 167 in 2008-09, 211 in 2007-08, 189 in 2006-07 and 2005-06 and 223 in 2004-05.
The report, issued annually, listed the statewide dropout rate at 4.27 percent in 2008-09. That's the lowest ever and is down from 4.97 percent in 2007-08. A total of 19,184 high school students dropped out statewide in 2008-09.
Billie Jo Scott, director of media services, student services and beginning teacher support for the Wilkes schools, said many things have helped reduce the Wilkes school dropout rate.
Mrs. Scott said they include a Student Success program that identifies at- risk students in middle school and continues a focus on them in high school.
"This program provides these students an opportunity to succeed through the completion of individualized coursework geared toward the specific needs of the student," she said.
Mrs. Scott said it provides an adult advocate who works with teachers of these students on a one-to-one basis to insure that the students receive the extra attention with course work and can utilize all available services that help at-risk students succeed.
She said the school system's modified calendar, with students in school fewer days, created opportunities to change how instruction is delivered.
"With this in mind, teachers are planning differently this year. Teachers have always made sure that every minute of instruction counts. This year, it is vital to insure that every minute in the school day is examined and utilized for learning. This opportunity allows for reflection and revision of the way we have done things in the past," said Mrs. Scott.
"Student engagement is increasing due to the implementation of lesson delivery in a technology rich environment. Smart Boards are being placed in pre-K through 12th grade classrooms.
"Seniors have received laptops this year. It is our hope that the dropout rate will continue to decline due to the implementation of technology in the earlier grades and the way teachers are adapting their delivery methods to a 21st Century student."
Mrs. Scott said Advisor/Advisee program in the Wilkes high schools focuses on making the entire school staff a resource for students.
"The foundation for this program is rigor, relevance and relationships. Relationships are a key factor in keeping students in school. Every staff member is responsible for periodic meetings with a small group of students that focuses on planning for the future, course choices and problem solving," she said.
"This program provides each student with an adult within the school environment who is familiar with the system and can advise students. This provides students the opportunity to interact with all school personnel rather than only the teachers in their classes. This exposes them to a wider variety of human resources and one on one relationships."
Several organizations in Wilkes partner with the Wilkes schools to help students graduate from high school, including Wilkes Communities in Schools (CIS) and Wilkes Vision 20/20.
In the CIS New Century Scholars program, sixth-graders are promised two-year scholarships to Wilkes Community College if they graduate from high school. CIS tracks participating students and provides them with learning and service projects.
CIS received a $29,231 grant from the N.C. General Assembly in 2008 to expand its weekly "Girl Power" program for sixth-grade girls and to start "Wise Guys" for eighth-grade boys. CIS was among 60 groups across the state that received grants to help reduce dropout rates in the state.
The Vision 20/20 Graduation Partnership, through financial support of local companies, provides middle school students with gifts that remind them of the years they are scheduled to graduate from high school to help them aspire to graduate.
School dropout rates in counties adjoining Wilkes in 2007-08 and 2008-09 included Alexander, 5.07 percent in 2007-08 to 4.54 percent (79 actual dropouts) in 2008-09; Alleghany, 4.09 percent to 3.04 percent (15 actual dropouts); Ashe, 6.19 percent to 4.11 (40 actual dropouts); Caldwell, 5.60 percent to 4.83 percent (201 students); Iredell-Statesville, 3.52 percent to 2.96 percent (208 actual students); Surry, 4.70 percent to 4.77 percent (131 actual dropouts); Elkin, 2.47 percent to 1.81 percent (seven actual students); Mount Airy, 2.77 percent to 2.60 percent (14 students); Watauga, 5.09 percent to 3.23 percent (48 students) and Yadkin, 3.01 percent to 3.34 percent (65 students). |
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