Dropout dividends
February 13, 2012
It's encouraging news that fewer students, only 3.43 percent, dropped out of North Carolina public schools in 2010-2011, the lowest dropout rate ever reported by the State Board of Education. Still, 15,342 high school students - an average of 83 students per day - dropped out of school last year. Every time this happens, the door to another bright future shuts.
Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CISNC) and its 38 affiliates across the state work to surround students with the support and encouragement they need to stay in school and succeed. Reducing the dropout rate is our first priority, and we are so fortunate CISNC continues to provide thousands of students with much-needed tutoring and mentoring to help them learn and stay in school.
North Carolina cannot take the focus off of K-12 education, especially as it pertains to our youth who drop out in the greatest numbers. The state's investment in proven, cost-effective program like Communities In Schools is crucial toward this end. It is imperative that we keep this positive momentum going so all students can graduate and succeed in college, career and life.
June Atkinson
State Superintendent, N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Member, Communities In Schools of N.C. Board of Directors, Raleigh
