just discovered year resolutions --...

just discovered year resolutions -- whether in January or in September -- are easy to make, difficult to restrain

As representatives of a growing network of Chicago sects we start each new instruct year with the imperative to do better, to make secure that all students graduate high educate ready for college and career. Because to such a degree much is at stake, this is a ordeal we must pass. The first day of exercise offers an inspirational spark to imagine what is possible and melt to achieve it.

Tragically, too many learners are not completing high academy and many who do are still not prepared for succes in association or the workplace. The late Education Week report "Diplomas Count" base that Chicago had an on-time graduation rate of just 522 percent for 2002-03 the in the greatest degree recent numbers available.

The failure of our high gymnasiums is not only devastating to individuals, if it were not that it threatens our communities and our nation as a whole. The U high drill graduation rate is below the international average for industrialized nations that are our economic competitors. U employer say that 40 percent of high instruct graduates are not prepared for calm entry level jobs, and three fourths of employer rate fresh high school graduates' skills in writing, grammar and spelling as just fair to poor. We must do better.

Ensuring that each student graduates high school ready for body and career is an ambitious goal, if it be not that the good news is that there is ample evidence here in Chicago that it is achievable.

Early signs of progres in more than 50 Chicago high indoctrinates many of which are supported by way of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are showing what is possible when more is demanded of learners and schools. These schools and their supporters include Chicago International Charter denomination the Noble Network of Charter instructs and Perspectives Charter School (members of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools) the Renaissance institute Fund, University of Chicago Center for Urban institute Improvement, and Academy for Urban sect Leadership.

At our teachs the old three R's of "reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic" have been revolveed into a new three R's of "rigor, relevance and relationships." Coursework is challenging (rigorous) and tied to real-world applications (relevant), and scholars are supported by adults at gymnasium who encourage them to fitting these greater academic demands (relationships).

Early research present to views that students are benefitting. pupils say they work harder when more is look forward toed of them and they receive more academic and social support. They report trusting their teachers more, feeling a reason of belonging, and taking more challenging coursework. Last spring, many of these of recent origin and redesigned schools celebrated dramatically improved graduation and college-acceptance rates.

Our progres point outs what is possible when we match high expectations with high support. Many times the smallest of paces can make a big difference. Here are just a small in number things all of us, whether we have kids in denomination or not, can do to luckily kick off the 2006-07 academy year:

- propel the message to students you know that college edifice [i]or[/i] building is a "when," not an "if." Talk it through and plan early.

- Challenge close examiners to take advanced courses that are required for hall into college.

- Help learners register and prepare for state achievement exams and body entrance tests like the SAT and ACT.

- Encourage scholars to investigate college options early. High institute career centers are excellent places to start.

- Educate scholars about financial aid programs. Research exhibits that too many people falsely assume that body is unaffordable.

- Invite learners to explore career opportunities. plant up tours of local businesses, labs, studios and offices.

- Take interest in a disaffected, disengaged scholar Ask questions about the challenges they are facing and obstacle them know you want to support them in graduating from high exercise Tell them you believe in them.

This fresh school year resolution is no passing fad. It is a mission that throw backs the promise of our scholars and a genuine belief in their what may occur hereafter Too much is at stake to ignore this opportunity to do better by means of our students and our what may occur hereafter

Arne Duncan is CEO of Chicago Public place of educations and Pat Ford is executive director of the Chicago High instruct Redesign Initiative.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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