Resources
For Parents: A Call to Action
- The solution begins with knowing your school district's true, on-time graduation rate. Because inaccurate graduation rates have historically masked the magnitude of the problem, this new knowledge is a wake-up call for many communities.
- Accurate accounts of students who dropout and students who successfully complete the coursework requirements are helping communities to marshal concrete steps that can be taken at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college and work.
- Learn about the 10-point plan released at the May 9th national "Summit on America's Silent Epidemic." More than 100 organizations that represent a full range of educator and community stakeholders with disparate political stripes support these 10 action steps to reduce dropouts.
- Be involved in children's education. Support them by recognizing hard work and improvement as much as achievement and good grades, and help them to learn the importance of time management and good study skills.
- Be an advocate. Ask your school system about graduation rates. Push for a curriculum that is rigorous and relevant, preparing every child for college or post-secondary training for the world of work. Make sure there are enough places and meaningful activities in your community for every child's out-of-school time.
- Help young people see the practical value of education. Be a classroom volunteer lecturer to bring your business expertise to youth. If you have a business or workplace that will allow it, offer apprenticeship or internship opportunities. Encourage youth to explore their personal strengths, interests and hobbies, and how they can be used in different career fields.
- Join the Strong American Schools campaign to galvanize the public to demand change
and real leadership on education.
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