Diplomas Denied: Continuing the conversation about Portland's drop out crisis
More than 1,100 students drop out of Portland Public Schools every year. Many who fail to receive a diploma have been allowed to transfer into the district's alternative schools where graduation rates are extremely low or directed into going after a less-valued GED certificate. The Portland Public School District appears unable to reverse this trend or, more significantly, track students at-risk of dropping out. With so many solutions being offered, why hasn't the situation improved?
This week, Jo Ann and Dave continue last month's conversation about education. Their guests include Oregonian reporter Betsy Hammond, whose three-part series, Diplomas Denied, shined a light on the drop-out crisis and Charles McGee of the Black Parent Initiative about where we go from here.
Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media, as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years.
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a KBOO member (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right-hand corner on KBOO's homepage to find out how) or consider becoming an underwriter of this program (contact KBOO's underwriting director for details).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Hardesty
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson