Action | 2007-2008 revisions |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/5/2008 |
Dear Members of the Board of Education: I am a Virginia resident and a strong supporter of our public schools. I appreciate the Board's efforts to make graduation rates a priority for Virginia high schools, but given the importance of producing graduates ready for college, work, and life, I'm writing to ask that you take a stronger stand. I have worked for 12 years with parents of young children, most recently as a parent-infant educator at the Arc of the Piedmont. The vast majority of the parents I work with were high school drop outs and as a result face a multitude of difficulties finding employment and raising their children. Please increase the target to at least 90 points, OR adjust the graduation and completion index so that it gives schools more points for Standard and Advanced Diplomas and fewer points for all alternative diplomas and other credentials. I am especially concerned about the points awarded to certificates of program completion. There is no evidence that they provide any benefit to students. I'd like to ask that you ensure the new standards provide: Thank you for your consideration. I hope you'll do all that you can to increase the number of students who successfully graduate ready to fulfill their greatest potential. Sincerely, Melinda Whitehurst 130 Overlook Dr Charlottesville, VA 22903