The challenges faced by the educators and students in the Corning-Painted Post community are shared by school districts across the United States. Public schools are facing what some have called a crisis of low student expectation and achievement, as well as high drop-out rates. A national research study called The Silent Epidemic was commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in March 2006. The results of the landmark study (presented below followed by C-PP data) have been quoted widely in the national media, including Time magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
| National Statistics |
C-PP Reality & Solutions |
| Dropout rate is 30% |
The most current C-PP data is based on the class of students who entered high school in 2001; 14% of them did not graduate. |
| Majority of students say they dropped out because school was boring |
C-PP teachers are trained to provide a more interesting school experience that appeals to students of varying learning styles. |
| Drop-outs said they would have been more engaged if school had related more to the real world |
Instruction in C-PP Schools is specifically designed to be more Relevant for students. |
| Drop-outs said they would have worked harder if expectations had been higher |
All C-PP students experience a Rigorous course of study that is appropriately challenging relative to each student's ability. |
| Drop-outs said they didn't have enough support from adults |
C-PP emphasizes the importance of meaningful adult Relationships throughout the school experience, and encourages both parent engagement and in-school adult mentoring relationships. |
The concepts of Rigor, Relevance and Relationships are validated and supported by a number of educational experts, including the Gates Foundation. In addition, in a cover article entitled Dropout Nation (4-17-06), Time magazine specified five things schools can do to prevent dropouts, all of which are reinforced through C-PP's Quantum Leap:
| Time Magazine Suggestion |
How C-PP Compares |
| Teach Reading early |
The District launched a comprehensive, consistent Elementary Reading curriculum beginning in September 2006. |
| Create alternative High Schools |
C-PP has had great success with the High School Learning Center, which provides an alternative for students who struggled in or dropped out of the traditional school environment. HSLC graduation rate is 88% with Regents Diplomas. |
| Spot future drop-outs |
C-PP's Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and the Freshman Academy are two new QL initiatives that are helping at-risk students stay on track for success. |
| Support vocational education |
Solid partnership with BOCES gives students the power to choose the vocational education path if that suits their goals. |
| Get the grown-ups involved |
PTAs, Building Leadership Teams, classroom volunteer opportunities and parent/teacher conferences allow parents to participate in their child's school. Also, community service projects connect C-PP students with adults in the outside world. |
Through initiatives carefully designed to improve instruction and learning, C-PP is following a course that will help students to meet all local, state and national learning standards and reach their maximum potential in school and in life.
