By Ken Scherpelz, Vice President of Sales and Business Development
With a tough economy to blame, the news from Detroit isn't very good lately. From high unemployment, factories closing, and a high crime rate, this Michigan city gives its young people little to hope for.
But there is a bright ray of hope coming from a group of high school students at Detroit's University High Prep School. This public charter school is getting results not seen in recent history. With a graduation rate of only 32%, Detroit ranks last in the major US cities. But University Prep claims a graduation rate of 100%, and 94% of those student go on to college.
How do they do it? This group of 512 students, chosen by lottery, thrive from two main ingredients: high expectations and accountability. The teachers expect success from these students, and the students find this extremely motivating. As for accountability, the parents are expected to take an active role in their children's education, and students know their folks will get a call from their teacher if there is a problem.
I don't often pull out the old "When I was a kid" line much any more (my kids usually find something more pressing to do when they hear it from me), but I recall my K-12 years were spent with my teachers and parents taking no excuses when it came to school work and good behavior in the classroom. While it was tough some times, it's just the way it was. And I'm thankful for it.
It's good to know that some practices from the "good old days" are meeting with success today.
Whether you're developing materials for gifted, AP, or those kids who need a little more help, contact PSG, where we have high expectations and get great results from our staff.
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