By Philip J. Kirk Jr.
For the Salisbury Post
Recently there was disappointing news about the unacceptable graduation rate on the front page of the Post. However, there was some great news about the improvement in math scores in the Salisbury-Rowan Schools, but it was placed on an inside page, rather than on the front page, so I am afraid some casual readers may have seen the negative and missed the positive.
By the way, one of my former jobs at the Post was to work the wire desk and to decide on the placement of stories, so I know that it is often difficult to decide which story goes on which page and that not all stories can go on the front page!
As our hard-working teachers, administrators and staff return to the classroom to work with more than 20,000 students, the community needs to do everything we can to support them in the many challenges which they face every day.
That is why I want to highlight the “good” news for those who may have missed it earlier. Eighty-two percent of the schools in Rowan-Salisbury met or surpassed their ABC goals in the state’s nationally-acclaimed accountability program. The recognition is based on the state’s math scores.
But there is more good news ó 56 percent (over half) of our schools met High Growth which is another significant increase over last year when only 21 percent achieved that level of recognition. Schools not meeting growth goals have declined from 20 schools to 12 to only six over the last three years.
My highlighting the extremely good news is in no way designed to downplay the disappointing graduation rate. Schools alone cannot solve this challenge. They need the continued and expanded assistance from the business and faith communities and other volunteers. We also need to work to change some attitudes in Rowan County that may not value education as much as we should.
As a member of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, I read state, regional and national reports which always highlight the need for an educated and well-trained workforce as a key economic development incentive. For Rowan County to reach its potential and to keep more of our young people in our county, we must continue to not only improve our schools but also to increase the emphasis and values we place on getting at least a high school diploma and additional education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Outstanding educational opportunities also exist at Catawba College and Livingstone College.
I would also urge that the public support our teachers and students through current volunteer efforts by Communities in Schools and the Rowan Partners for Education by donating school supplies for those students who cannot afford all of the tools they need to succeed in school.
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Phillip J. Kirk Jr. is chairman emeritus of the N.C. State Board of Education and currently serves as vice president for external relations at Catawba College.