April 4, 2008

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Graduate rates at local public high schools are about 90 percent. Why do you think so many kids are dropping out? What do you think can be done about it? Asked at Cosentino’s at Canyon Creek Plaza

“Pressure on grades and difficulty getting into the university system. I think more parental involvement would help with the pressure and stress of high school life.”

Kerry Sexton, 44
Evergreen
Realtor


“My husband is a teacher and a lot of teachers have to do their job with smoke and mirrors. Our society is so busy ensuring kids’ self esteem that students aren’t taught to be responsible and have respect for their teachers. Parents don’t help as much either. Kids need more support and discipline at home. They need to be taught to respect their teachers and the school system, and teachers need to respond when parents call.”

Heather Haven
Evergreen
Writer of novels


“My daughter is in a private high school. I don’t think public school has enough academic challenge and it has too much violence. Students don’t get enough of what they need, such as attention, and they aren’t being pushed to go to college. One of my girlfriends has a son at Silver Creek High School and she hopes the more kids that go there and the more parents are involved, the better the school will be.”

Terri Pederson
Evergreen
Homemaker


“I don’t think there are enough counselors in the public school system to give guidance to high school students. The schools are cutting out the backbone of the school system [because of the economic problems]. Solving these problems is the million-dollar question. I don’t say more taxes, but no one wants to pay more, possibly an education tax of some sort.”

Lee Olejko, 52
Evergreen
Windemere Realtor


“Ninety percent is not bad compared to the national average, which is lower. There are different reasons why kids are not interested in high school. Some don’t realize the importance of education until too late. They think they can make big money becoming professional athletes or rocks stars. In some cases, support at home is lacking to encourage them to further their education. At their age, a lot don’t see much value in an education, but a high school degree is absolutely necessary. I’m not sure what the solution is, in my family there was no question about finishing high school and going on to college, we may need to make them see the relevance of an education.”

Janiece Doherty, 60
Evergreen
Retired


“We have very qualified teachers in California that are certainly motivated and motivating our kids. The problem stems from the family infrastructure and lack of parental mentoring. I think each community needs to address this and that families need to be brought together through churches, schools and communities to recover the lost family values that has led to the collapse of the family. In addition, we have chosen not to listen to the younger generation because of our own interests as parents. There’s a lack of empowerment from the older generation to our children.”

Nancy Crowley
Evergreen
Professional artist