Flipside: Detroit Graduation Rates
Posted: 4/13/2008

      Did that say 25 percent graduation rate? That had to be a misprint.  I remember being in a rush to make it into work on time and catching a glimpse of the newspaper on the way out. I blew it off until I got to work and saw the same percentage on the news show that was on at the office.  With that in mind, I was apt to do some research only to learn that the number was indeed correct. Some findings were even suggested to be lower than 25 percent. High school diplomas don’t guarantee you a spot in today’s working class, so just imagine the depth of poverty not having one might afford you.
    Knowledge is power.  No matter how cliché that may sound, the truth of it resonates loudly among those who know.  When I speak of those who know, I merely mean those who know and accept the fact that education is vital to success in a world that no longer has the demand for manual labor as it once did.  Without the demand for manual labor, individuals with no educational background may find it tougher and tougher to climb the financial ladder. 
    When you look at it that way the numbers are even more astounding.  This means that out of every 100 students that enter into Osborn High, only 25 percent will leave with a diploma that still doesn’t guarantee them a position in today’s workforce.  So what happens to the other 75?  Unfortunately, they have children of their own and send them through the school system with little skill to guide them through and the number grows.
       I did a little more research to see if I could narrow down the reasons for this horrid number.  After further research I came to one final conclusion.  Of course it won’t bring the graduation percentage to 100 percent over night, but I think it will definitely show an improvement.  Parental and community support in the neighborhood schools. Pretty simply put – be involved in your child’s school life, don’t let the school be your personal baby-sitter.
      Yes, I understand it is difficult.  Some single parents are juggling two jobs and homework.  Some two-parent households are still stretched thin on time when it comes to taking care of home and going to work everyday.  Somewhere in between though, there has to be a sacrifice.  It’s your responsibility to: know your child’s schedule, help them with their homework, know who their teachers are, and feel comfortable communicating with them if your child is having issues.  It’s those small things that help push your child through high school.
     Quit blaming Kwame’s lawsuits for poor schooling.  Stop complaining about how suburban schools benefit from more funding.  Start being more involved in your child’s school life.  25 percent of us have found a way, now its just time for the rest of us to catch up.  Catch ya’ on the FLIPSIDE.

-Quincy Lewis
quincy@detroitfashionpages.com

 

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COMMENTS

Submitted by WIN on 6/18/2008 6:12:32 PM
THEY'VE BEEN NEEDING TO DO THAT BEFORE THE RECCESSION.

Submitted by Shane Bernardo on 4/17/2008 8:27:57 AM
Quincy, you’re right on point. Your perspective reflects the mission of my organization, Detroit Parent Network. We empower parents to provide the best education possible for their children. We provide counseling, support groups, trainings, workshops, conferences and other resources. We teach parents "how to fish". I would like to extend an invitation to all that read this to our education committee tonight. The invitation is below. Everyone is welcome. Shane Bernardo 313.309.1459 www.detroitparentnetwork.org 3rd Thursdays - Education Committee: - Learn how to advocate for your child's education - Get resources on how to make the best decision regarding your child’s education - Become more aware of and help promote policy changes in education To RSVP call Shannon: 313.309.1458. Childcare, light meal provided. Youthville 7375 Woodward Detroit, MI 48202 6-8pm

Submitted by Asia on 4/16/2008 2:12:43 PM
Article was really good as always, but really scary numbers. I wonder if that 25% factor in GED's?

Submitted by Nicole Brown on 4/14/2008 10:17:59 PM
Well done Q! This article is a call to arms. For us as a community, we need to band together to make sure that all kids have the best opportunities possible in life. Today's young people have so many things working against them, households where there are no capable parents, cases of extreme poverty, addict parents and a world telling them that are doomed to repeat the cycle. We must rise up and do our part to help raise these children. If it is through mentoring, volunteering at your local rec center, donating funds to groups like ACES, Junior Achievement, Boys Hope Girls Hope or one of the many other groups me must get involved before it's too late.

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