N.I. graduation rates show job well done

By Mason City Globe Gazette

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North Iowans should be encouraged by rising graduation rates in more than half of area schools.

Despite shrinking budgets, school officials are reaching more students in varying ways to help make sure they get their diplomas.

In 2010, North Iowa schools averaged a 93.2 percent graduation rate, and more than half of the districts reporting in 2009 improved their standing. One, Belmond-Klemme, posted a 100 percent graduation rate.

Statewide, the average was 88.8 percent compared to 87.2 percent in 2009.

School officials say the numbers reflect how schools respond to student needs.

Certainly, one very visible approach is the alternative school program, which recognizes that not all students learn the same way and provides studies to suit their needs.

In Mason City, 44 students graduated from alternative school this year. In earlier generations, those students may have fallen through the cracks. That approach is working elsewhere as well.

There also are other, more personal reasons for student success, educators say. Michelle Dohlman, a guidance counselor from Osage (where the graduation rate was a lofty 98.6 percent last year compared to 92.9 the previous year), called a supportive community and caring staff important.

Certainly, we see both in every community. But challenges get harder each year. There are more demands on students, Dohlman said, and family dynamics continue to change.

“When we say, `It takes a whole village to raise a child,' it's really true,” she said. “It takes a lot of people” to support children.

Kathy Schladweiler, head of curriculum for Mason City Community Schools, agreed that social issues have a major effect on academic issues and said schools are taking them seriously. They work on discipline issues, social issues, emotional issues - anything to address critical needs of students.

“All of these are examples of trying to catch kids before they fall,” Schladweiler said.

Obviously, the numbers show our schools continue to do an increasingly good job of that.

While they don't tell the entire story, numbers do show North Iowa schools are responsive to student needs so hopefully they can graduate and take that next big step in career and social development, whether it's furthering their education or entering the workforce.

It's a job well done, and for that we should be appreciative.