December 05, 2008
Friday

My husband and I recently returned from Spain. While there I read an article about drop out rates there. They have a program identifying those that may drop out of school early. They identify these kids and get them into vocational programs in their early teen years while they are still interested in finding a job they may be interested in. I agree we need to offer more vocational training and stop concentrating on college to many of our kids. We also need to do more to encourage these kids to stay in school.

We had the unfortunate experience of one of our children dropping out. He was not successful in the high school nor the alternative school and we were never contacted to try to get him back in school or even told any alternatives aside from correspondence. He did manage to get his GED but I feel if there were other vocational options available and encouraged, this would have been an important resource to both him and us.

They should also have a program for work ethics and things such as interviewing tips. I believe KIC has such a program and this should be offered to all kids. I commend them for their efforts to help these kids.

Jacquie O'Sullivan
gizmo276[at]ak.net
Ketchikan, AK

About: "Ketchikan resident since 1967. Mother of 4 children attending Ketchikan public schools, 3 attending college, one drop out, all living in Alaska. "

Received December 03, 2008 - Published December 05, 2008

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