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Education Shoots Self In Foot - Again!
The highly touted Diploma Project is being abolished in the Los Angeles School District because of budget cuts.
The L.A. Times ran the story, after Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines made the announcement.
The Times explains the Diploma Project:
“The 3-year-old, $10-million Diploma Project, which assigns counselors to 49 high schools and 31 middle schools, was launched in the wake of bad publicity over alarming dropout rates and the district’s determination to confront them. Schools with the highest dropout rates, according to state figures, include Jefferson High in South Los Angeles, listed at 52.1%, and Belmont High, west of downtown, at 51%.”
“Diploma Project counselors work with students derailed by such issues as failed classes, behavior problems, poor attendance and failing the state exit exam, which is required for graduation. The advisors also help students who have left school to return or transfer elsewhere . . .”
Supt. Cortines is a highly-respected educator and faces an enormous task trying to straighten-out the HUGE mess in L.A. schools.
Budget shortfalls have caused thousands of teachers across the state to be given their “pink slips”.
But in a time of soaring dropout rates, it doesn’t make sense to me to eliminate a program that is working so well.
Speaking as the grandmother of California students, I have a suggestion:
How about thinning the top heavy administration, and keep teachers in the classroom instead?
As for the Diploma Project . . .
Well, The Kingsland Plan has already successfully proven that more counselors working with problem and/or troubled students is a workable solution.
Why eliminate programs that have been PROVEN to be successful?
Instead, why NOT eliminate bulky overhead and cushy administrative positions that DO NOTHING to improve education?
What do you think?
Brennan
