John McLaughlin 
As we turn down the proverbial homestretch of the academic year, what questions should we ask soon-to-be high school graduates? John McLaughlin, Ph.D., believes we should be looking at the quality of graduates in a world where we raise/lower standards and then boast reductions in dropout cases.
McLaughlin’s Take
It’s not rocket science; we raise graduation rates by lowering requirements and eliminating high-stakes tests as Alabama and most states have done.
Credit should be given to private groups like Communities in Schools that mentors at-risk students toward graduation and Ombudsman Educations Services which specializes in educating at-risk students – in face OES raised the graduation rates of one rural Georgia district by 9% in a two year period.
Yes, graduation is important, but high schools should be measured on the quality of graduates.
Questions to Ponder When Discussing High School Graduates
- How many graduates continue education – college, vocational school?
- How many graduates require remedial services?
- How many graduates are admitted to the military to craft apprenticeships?
Having college or career-ready high school graduates has real savings for taxpayers and real value for the graduate.
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