Partnership To Help Boost Detroit Grad Rates
Two Detroit Schools will partner with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and other agencies to boost student achievement and poor graduation rates.
On Thursday, the district is expected to release details of the program involving Bow and Emerson schools. The schools are pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The initiative is called "Diplomas Now.'' It's geared toward keeping students in school, while highlighting the importance of attending college.
WWJ's Vickie Thomas spoke with Erinstine Woodward, the Principle at Bow.
"It's about remove barriers and providing whatever is needed, be it social support, but it academic support, or just someone to listen," Bow said.
City Year Detroit will be working with students in the classroom, as well as offering toutoring and after-school activities as part of the program.
Graduation rates in the Detroit Public Schools are among the lowest in the country. Students also score below their counterparts across the state on standardized tests.
The struggling district has instituted a new academic plan and more rigorous curriculum.
(Copyright 2010 by WWJ Radio. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press)
