March 1 - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

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Back to web versionPosted on Sun, Mar. 01, 2009Education rhetoric can’t wish away realityBy MARY SANCHEZThe Kansas City StarPresident Barack Obama’s attempt to wrap the urgency of raising high school graduation rates into patriotic terms was a new twiston addressing one of the nation’s most significant problems.Obama seemed to be intoning JFK’s “ask not” speech in his televised talk to Congress last week. Dropping out of high school isnot an option, the president said.“It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country — and this country needs and values the talents of every American.”Couldn’t agree more, but the commentary quickly had me thinking about the hard lessons learned from the Ewing MarionKauffman Foundation’s Project Choice program, a dropout-prevention effort of intense mentoring that offered the chance of a fullscholarship to college. The program ended in 2001 but was reincarnated as Kauffman Scholars and continues, with many lessonslearned.It is one thing for the president to stand at a podium and use pointed language about making the U.S. more competitive. Just as itwas one thing for a wealthy philanthropist like Kauffman to wish college degrees for low-income students.Making it a reality took a lot more than good will, money and ideals about believing in youth, despite their present circumstances.Obama set the goal of America once again having “the highest proportion of college graduates in the world” by 2020. He offeredthe carrot of a paid college tuition in exchange for military or community service. That’s where Obama waded right into territorythat the Kauffman Foundation knows well.The foundation produced a book that candidly details many of Project Choice’s early sputters. It should be required reading foranyone who likes to bleat such trite phrases as “All children can learn,” without being really honest about why so many do not.Nearly 1,400 students signed agreements with Kauffman from 1988 to 1992. Of that number, 767 graduated on time, and 709 ofthose students continued with some form of education, with 220 earning bachelor’s degrees. Project Choice, which ended in 2001,was successful, but it also ran smack into some harsh realities that adults often discount or wish away by hopeful rhetoric.Kauffman had to admit that in some cases, it was too late.“Far too often, by the time inner-city youth reach ninth grade, their self-esteem as intellectual beings capable of and interested inlearning has been seriously undermined,” the book says.Meaning, by high school, some children had been lost — so far behind in their studies, they didn’t catch up. I’ve heard localeducators admit that reality, too. Sometimes they are unfairly chastised for their honesty.That said, the very real impact of teachers who thought too little of their students also was apparent.The students had to stay clear of drugs. On average, 98 percent tested clean. Yet some teachers didn’t believe the results,insisting that a sleepy student was on drugs. In fact, the child had simply stayed up all night working, in a case illustrated by thebook.Finally, for those who believe money is the magic cure, college was too far in the future and intangible to use as a motivator formany students, but what many of the kids were “starved” for was “adult attention and guidance,” according to the Project Choicebook.Given this country’s relative affluence compared with the rest of the world, staggering dropout rates are a national tragedyundercutting the nation’s future.We need to ensure that the most open hearts for helping students also have a full comprehension of what they are really upagainst. Call it the bleeding-heart-versus-cold-heart divide. One side needs more can-do spirit, the other a more realisticperspective.To reach Mary Sanchez, call 816-234-4752 or send e-mail to msanchez@kcstar.com. To reach Mary Sanchez, call 816-234-4752 or send e-mail to msanchez@kcstar.com.© 2009 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansascity.comTuesday, Mar 3, 2
Back to web versionPosted on Sun, Mar. 01, 2009Kauffman Scholars to host informational meetings for interestedfamilies of sixth-gradersTuesday, Mar 3, 2Recruiting season has returned for Kauffman Scholars.March is the time for families of sixth-graders in the Kansas City and Kansas City, Kan., school districts or public charter schoolsto step up for a chance at academic guidance and tuition for their child all the way through college.Kauffman Scholars get academic and life coaching beginning in the seventh grade.Applicants must have grades of C or better in core classes, nearly clean disciplinary records and qualify for free or reduced lunch.Interested families must reserve a seat at one of eight informational meetings this month beginning Tuesday by calling 816-932-1206.| Joe Robertson, jrobertson@kcstar.com© 2009 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansascity.com
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Page 7 and 8: Kansan - March 1, 2009Schlagle ends
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Page 21 and 22: Posted by Mark ZaringI saw that too
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After reading about convicted kille
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Rose’s students said they have no
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Kansan - March 9, 20092008-2009 All
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189 lbs215 lbs1st Team: Elijah Ming
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In a criminal case, where the burde
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KMBC-9 News - March 10, 2009OBAMA:
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Lansing boys, girls teams to play a
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Star - March 11, 2009Obama favors m
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An evaluation of teachers needs to
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"Our game plan was the slow them do
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Bulldogs to a huge upset victory ov
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Just a freshman, Parker should be a
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March 1 - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

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