K-12 education needs attention, too
Staff Editorial
Issue date: 7/1/09 Section: Forum
We've heard all about how the current economic conditions will affect OSU in the upcoming years: Enrollment tends to increase during a recession, but potential tuition hikes as forecasted by the Oregon legislature may hinder future students from attending a university or even force some to leave.
However, a study caught our eye, making us wonder about the overall state of education for all young people in Oregon.
According to a report by the Oregon Department of Education as reported in The Oregonian on Tuesday, only 68 percent of the graduating high school class of 2008 received a diploma.
Originally, the state reported the graduation rate was 84 percent, but newer, stricter tracking requirements enforced by the federal government found that this rate was actually much lower, said the story.
There were some exceptions, according to the story: two percent of the remaining 32 percent received special education diplomas, while nine percent remained in high school and the remaining 21 percent who actually dropped out had some students who left to receive a GED.
Still, the number is shocking: more than 15,000 did not receive a diploma. The story reports that these students typically do not do as well as those who earn a real diploma.
For us as students at OSU, who are out of high school and are on our way to a higher degree, it is shocking to see that so many young people in this state have not been able to complete that first step needed in claiming an education.
What are the reasons behind these numbers?
Do students feel that school is pointless and they can do something better if they leave?
Are students not receiving motivation from home to do well?
Is the economy affecting students, forcing them to support their families?
No matter the answers, many of these students will have to work that much harder to get a good job in a state that already has over 12 percent unemployment.
An education makes all the difference in a person's working life. According to a 2002 report by the US Census Bureau, a high school dropout will earn approximately $1 million in his or her lifetime, but a high school graduate will earn approximately $1.2 million and a college graduate with a bachelor's degree will earn $2.1 million in his or her lifetime.
We have given the potential budget cuts to higher education a lot of attention. But all of us - students, members of the legislature, citizens - must step back and look at what is happening to the young people of our state.
We alone are not the future.
Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board's majority. Disagree? Email a letter to the editor or guest column to forum@dailybarometer.com.
However, a study caught our eye, making us wonder about the overall state of education for all young people in Oregon.
According to a report by the Oregon Department of Education as reported in The Oregonian on Tuesday, only 68 percent of the graduating high school class of 2008 received a diploma.
Originally, the state reported the graduation rate was 84 percent, but newer, stricter tracking requirements enforced by the federal government found that this rate was actually much lower, said the story.
There were some exceptions, according to the story: two percent of the remaining 32 percent received special education diplomas, while nine percent remained in high school and the remaining 21 percent who actually dropped out had some students who left to receive a GED.
Still, the number is shocking: more than 15,000 did not receive a diploma. The story reports that these students typically do not do as well as those who earn a real diploma.
For us as students at OSU, who are out of high school and are on our way to a higher degree, it is shocking to see that so many young people in this state have not been able to complete that first step needed in claiming an education.
What are the reasons behind these numbers?
Do students feel that school is pointless and they can do something better if they leave?
Are students not receiving motivation from home to do well?
Is the economy affecting students, forcing them to support their families?
No matter the answers, many of these students will have to work that much harder to get a good job in a state that already has over 12 percent unemployment.
An education makes all the difference in a person's working life. According to a 2002 report by the US Census Bureau, a high school dropout will earn approximately $1 million in his or her lifetime, but a high school graduate will earn approximately $1.2 million and a college graduate with a bachelor's degree will earn $2.1 million in his or her lifetime.
We have given the potential budget cuts to higher education a lot of attention. But all of us - students, members of the legislature, citizens - must step back and look at what is happening to the young people of our state.
We alone are not the future.
Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board's majority. Disagree? Email a letter to the editor or guest column to forum@dailybarometer.com.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ryan
posted 7/01/09 @ 8:11 PM PST
What? Education in America (and in Oregon) is hurting? Thank you for shedding light on this issue! In all seriousness, our K-12 education system DOES need help. (Continued…)
Post a Comment
Comments by registered users are approved by default.