Published: January 30, 2008 11:57 pm         

Governor proposes graduation coaches to aid at-risk youth

Staff and wire reports



With the intention of reducing dropout rates in Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry Wednesday proposed a program to put graduation coaches, mentors who would guide at-risk students to graduation, into Oklahoma schools.

“In the last several years, we have done a better job providing new resources to education, while at the same time increasing academic rigor and accountability,” Henry said. “But these efforts are of little use to students who don’t stay in school.”

Senate Bill 1694 by Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, would authorize the creation of a state graduation coach initiative modeled after a similar program in Georgia. Graduation coaches would keep students focused on academics and help them deal with issues outside of school that could be a barrier to graduation.

“More than ever before, a high school diploma is needed for success in the workplace,” Henry said. “Yet too many of our young people are entering the world without the education so vital to their success.”

A total of 5,768 students, or 3.2 percent of Oklahoma’s public school population, dropped out of school in grades 9 through 12 last year, said Shelly Hickman, spokeswoman for Department of Education.

In October, state Commerce Department officials told a Senate panel Oklahoma ranked 33rd nationally, at 84.3 percent, in the percentage of people 25 and older with a high school diploma or its equivalent.

In last year’s State of the State speech, Henry challenged lawmakers to enact policies that would make Oklahoma’s dropout rate the lowest in the nation in five years. The graduation coach program, he said, would be a great start on achieving that goal.

“Whatever troubles a student may face, dropping out is not the answer,” Henry said. “With this program in place, a graduation coach will be there to help students through difficult times and see them on to graduation.”

Chisholm Public Schools Superintendent Roydon Tilley said they encourage students to explore alternative education before deciding to drop out.

“With a smaller school size, we try to be attuned to families and students and give them one-on-one attention,” Tilley said.

Enid Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Ruth Ann Erdner said there are many options in place for at-risk students. These options include counselors in junior and high schools and summer school. EPS also offers Autry Technology Center courses at the high school, which Erdner said can reach some students’ interest areas and encourage them to continue in school.

Lincoln Academy, EPS’ alternative school, is another option for students.

Erdner said school officials start mentoring and tutoring for seventh- and eighth-grade students.

According to Office of Accountability 2006 District Report, senior graduation rate for 2006 seniors in Chisholm Public Schools was 97.3 percent, compared to the state’s average of 97.2 percent. Chisholm’s four-year dropout rate for the class of 2006 was 4.1 percent, compared to the state’s average of 14.1 percent

For Enid Public Schools, the senior graduation rate for 2006 was 99.2 percent and the four-year dropout rate for 2006 was 5.7 percent.



Staff Writer Violet Spader and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Staff and wire reports



With the intention of reducing dropout rates in Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry Wednesday proposed a program to put graduation coaches, mentors who would guide at-risk students to graduation, into Oklahoma schools.

“In the last several years, we have done a better job providing new resources to education, while at the same time increasing academic rigor and accountability,” Henry said. “But these efforts are of little use to students who don’t stay in school.”

Senate Bill 1694 by Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, would authorize the creation of a state graduation coach initiative modeled after a similar program in Georgia. Graduation coaches would keep students focused on academics and help them deal with issues outside of school that could be a barrier to graduation.

“More than ever before, a high school diploma is needed for success in the workplace,” Henry said. “Yet too many of our young people are entering the world without the education so vital to their success.”

A total of 5,768 students, or 3.2 percent of Oklahoma’s public school population, dropped out of school in grades 9 through 12 last year, said Shelly Hickman, spokeswoman for Department of Education.

In October, state Commerce Department officials told a Senate panel Oklahoma ranked 33rd nationally, at 84.3 percent, in the percentage of people 25 and older with a high school diploma or its equivalent.

In last year’s State of the State speech, Henry challenged lawmakers to enact policies that would make Oklahoma’s dropout rate the lowest in the nation in five years. The graduation coach program, he said, would be a great start on achieving that goal.

“Whatever troubles a student may face, dropping out is not the answer,” Henry said. “With this program in place, a graduation coach will be there to help students through difficult times and see them on to graduation.”

Chisholm Public Schools Superintendent Roydon Tilley said they encourage students to explore alternative education before deciding to drop out.

“With a smaller school size, we try to be attuned to families and students and give them one-on-one attention,” Tilley said.

Enid Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Ruth Ann Erdner said there are many options in place for at-risk students. These options include counselors in junior and high schools and summer school. EPS also offers Autry Technology Center courses at the high school, which Erdner said can reach some students’ interest areas and encourage them to continue in school.

Lincoln Academy, EPS’ alternative school, is another option for students.

Erdner said school officials start mentoring and tutoring for seventh- and eighth-grade students.

According to Office of Accountability 2006 District Report, senior graduation rate for 2006 seniors in Chisholm Public Schools was 97.3 percent, compared to the state’s average of 97.2 percent. Chisholm’s four-year dropout rate for the class of 2006 was 4.1 percent, compared to the state’s average of 14.1 percent

For Enid Public Schools, the senior graduation rate for 2006 was 99.2 percent and the four-year dropout rate for 2006 was 5.7 percent.



Staff Writer Violet Spader and The Associated Press contributed to this report.