Obama's Congressional address last night cited some grim statistics about the current job market and education:
"Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma," Obama said. "And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish."
It goes without saying (I think) that the students of Girls' High will continue to beat this statistic, but with that said how do you react to it? Is education in our country really that bad off? If so, what are some steps that we should begin to take in our school and district to encourage students to think towards and beyond graduating high school? What motivates you to push for academic excellence?
Before responding, reflect on what one of your peers (referenced in Obama's speech has to say about this issue South Carolina student becomes face of stimulus package.
The Philadelphia School District has also begun to take steps that look towards the future of our own district with a plan for academic excellence that stretches into 2014. As a student of the district, you are no stranger to new superintendents with wide-eyed missions. Do you think this newest mission will prove more successful than others with the support of stimulus money and a federal Obama administration seemingly invested in wide-spread education reform?
Share your thoughts, comments, and stories. You can never know the reach they may have on how this story plays out.
