Zero Tolerance   Source: postsecret.com The way most school 'Zero Tolerance' programs work fails to address the problem, kills dreams, and sets the students up to fail in society, and therefore, we all lose a part of our future. Some might say, under their breath, good ridance. We won't have to deal with "them". The fact is, if we don't do everything in our power to deal, in a healthy way, with the problem now, it won't go away and we will have to deal with the problem, in other ways, within the community for years to come. As you know, the drop-put rate for BHHS is the highest in Curry County and well above the state average, especially amoung the male population.. In 2008/2009, less than 73% of the males received a diploma. That dropped to 67% in 2009/2010. I haven't seen published figures for 2010/11, yet. Some things the state recommends are: Screen students regularly to spot poor attendance or grades early and get motivation, attendance and academics back on track. Family counseling and student mental health Bringing weak readers up to grade level. Weekly gatherings of teams of adults to monitor warning signs are eerily similar in schools with high graduation rates. Counselors, teachers and administrators plot how to help students who've missed class or assignments. Teachers ask questions, call parents and show they care. "We tell them, 'You are choosing not to do your work and choosing not to go to school, so we are going to help you.'" Paying more attention to struggling students as they enter high school. Counselors meet with every student several times a year and push the ones who need extra time to stick with it The state reports one bright spot in the last report. It came from looking at students who failed to graduate in four years but were persuaded to return for a fifth year. The state had never tracked them before. It turns out that 71 percent managed to earn diplomas in the extra year. Shouldn't that be our goal? The sacred mantra should not be 'four years'. The sacred mantra should be 'high school diploma' and the sacred word should be 'finish.' ©2007-2012, www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/zerotolerance.html