This week’s Education Week (3/12/2008, p. 4) reported that the West Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a functionally illiterate high school graduate who can only read on the 3rd grade level.No Child Left Behind Legislation and increased states standards have thrown aside the curtain on students who graduate without the necessary skills to enter the workforce or go on to higher education. The court seems to be saying that it is the responsibility of school systems to insure that the graduates of its high schools have the capabilities to do work at the graduate level and not read at the 3rd grade level.
Archives for March 2008
Researching a Book on School Non-Completion(in Europe)
May 15-June 1 Touring Europe to do research on a book on the global school non-completion rate.
Feedback from the 2nd Annual Western Canadian At-Risk Conference
I was privileged to deliver a keynote and a breakout at the Western Canadian At-Risk Conference. Here is some of the feedback.
“Franklin is upbeat, positive, and I appreciate his humor and research based data. He speaks with knowledge and passion in such a manner that his audience is entertained, enriched and most importantly rejuvenated and hopeful. I left each of his sessions carying the lightness of optimism.” Ann Wandler, Counselor
“Smart, practical and real life understanding of what is going on in schools with real practical solutions.” Shelly Velsink, Educational Assistant
“Franklin’s experience on the front lines is real and valuable to share with all educators.” Jillian Marino, Assistant Principal
Franklin promised us a session that would be informational, inspirational, humorous, solve the world’s education problems and answer our questions. He totally delivered.” Elizabet Shen, Principal
Region 17 Lubbock, TX Education Service Center
“From At-Risk to Academic Excellence” all day presentation at the Region 17 At-Risk Conference.
Evidence-Based Risk Factors That Are Known Predictors of Potential School Dropouts
The more risk factors a child faces, the more likely they are to drop out.
1. Attendance
2. Grade Point Average
3. Standardized test scores
4. Number of grade retentions
5. Number of discipline referrals
6. Educational Level of parents
7. Special Education Placement
8. Free and Reduced Lunch Program
9. Number of school transfers
10. Reading and Math Scores
11. Ethnic and gender distinctions
12. Language spoken at home
13. Number of school suspensions
14. Interest in school
15. Participation in extra-curricula activities
16. Pregnancy/teen parent
17. Number of counseling referrals
18. Family status (broken home, single parent family, family size, merged family)
Source: The National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University (NDPC)