'Opening Doors'

About 20 percent of Pennsylvania students do not graduate.

A report earlier this year showed the state didn't make much progress in raising its high school graduation rates between 2002 and 2009. During that time, the rate remained flat, from 80.2 percent in 2002 to 80.5 percent seven years later.

Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett, a former high school English teacher, wants to see the numbers change. This week, she brought together state and national leaders in education and dropout prevention for a forum at the governor's residence in Harrisburg.

Corbett laid out her 'Opening Doors' plan, an early warning initiative which puts the focus on middle school students. The plan to identify students most at risk of dropping out is sound strategy. When a student is identified as at-risk, intervention measures can be applied to keep the child on-track to graduate.

Corbett, who grew up in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, pointed out that students who do not complete school are "much more susceptible to a lifetime of struggle." They are less likely to find employment, are more likely to be on public assistance and have an increased chance of being incarcerated during their lives. All of these factors can contribute to an ailing or depressed economy, which we find ourselves mired in as a nation.

The Pennsylvania plan fortifies a national strategy put forth by America's Promise Alliance, which was founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. The group seeks a national 90 percent graduation rate by 2020. Researchers say the national rate is now at 75 percent, following a 3.5 percentage point increase from 2001 to 2009.

To meet the 90 percent goal in Pennsylvania, 15,000 more students must receive diplomas in 2020 than in 2009.

Corbett acknowledged that there is much work to be done but is confident that the dedicated professionals in both the public and private sectors can answer this challenge.

Given the ever-changing landscape in education, implementing creative ways for students to become and then remain engaged is crucial, according to Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis.

Pennsylvania's First Lady has laid out a sound game plan with her 'Opening Doors' initiative. This is an important step and a middle school focus means there's still some time on the clock for students.

It's critical to have competent educators to then manage the game clock and be able to inspire their students to carry the ball over the goal line for graduation.

By Jim Zbick

jzbick@tnonline.com