News-Record.com

Update: Find here some questions raised about the report and the Johns Hopkins methodology.

Take a look at this map of "dropout factory" schools the Associated Press ran this week. On the list: Smith, Dudley, Eastern and High Point Central high schools.

I'm not sure how current/accurate the methodology was for determining which schools should make the list. For example, the AP map gives Dudley a retention rate of 59 percent. However, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction says Dudley graduated almost 84 percent of 2003 freshman on time this year.

Given the barrage of violent incidents recently in Guilford County high schools, one has to wonder why turnout has not been higher at school climate task force meetings over the past two months (I did see on Tuesday the parent of a student who was assaulted in September).

The task force has about two months left to wrap up its work, so it's now or never for members of the public who have a bone to pick or idea to contribute regarding student discipline. Perhaps most parents realize that the number of incidents ocurring are among a tiny percentage of the school population. Still, the fights and the fires running so close together have been unnerving, no?

Update: The assignment maps for the magnets here, here, here, here and here.

Parents will have the chance to comment on attendance zones for six Guilford County Schools that will add magnet programs during the 2008-09 school year. Note: Andrews would draw from all over the county.

The Board of Education plans to put the zones out for public comment at its regular meeting on Dec. 3, but I was able to get some information online today (you will have to wait for the maps though). School officials already have started meeting with principals, teachers and parents to plan and promote the magnets.

The magnets include an aviation academy at Andrews High, a science and technology program at Welborn Middle, a Montessori program at Washington Elementary and preparatory International Baccalaureate curricula at Northwood Elementary, Hairston Middle and Ferndale Middle.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded $8.3 million to Guilford County Schools this fall. The grant includes $1.5 million for planning this year, with the rest spread out over the next two years.

On an unrelated note.... I wanted to let Chalkboard readers know that I will soon be going on maternity leave (it could basically happen at any time now, but I'm due on Dec. 3). Unless another reporter steps up, expect a two-month hiatus on postings.

Fewer high school students dropped out in 2006-07 than during the previous academic year, according to preliminary figures by Guilford County Schools.

The district reports that 680 out of about 22,700 students dropped out for a rate of 2.99 percent. That compares to 766 dropouts and a rate of 3.41 percent in 2005-06. Seven additional students dropped out in elementary and middle schools.

Following, a breakdown by race and school.

What I requested, but have not yet received by the district: a breakdown by grade, the number of repeat dropouts and the reasons students gave for dropping out, which is tracked by the state.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction defines "dropouts" as students who were enrolled at some time during the previous school year but were not enrolled on day 20 of the current school year.

Excluded from the dropout count are transfers, transitional students and those who have been suspended or expelled. The state typically release official numbers for every district in late January or February.

Also, number and rate of GCS high school dropouts since 1999-2000"

99-00: 1,070 students; 5.97 percent
00-01: 710; 3.87
01-02: 719; 3.75
02-03: 588; 2.97
03-04: 639; 3.09
04-05: 644; 2.98
05-06: 766; 3.41
06-07: 680; 2.99 (preliminary)

Sources: GCS; N.C. DPI